{KXLG – Watertown, SD} Watertown Post 17 continued its strong start to the legion baseball season with a doubleheader sweep of Brandon Valley Post 131 on Thursday night at Watertown Stadium. The Arrows showcased their offensive power in game one, securing a decisive 12-2 victory before holding off a Brandon Valley comeback in game two for a 5-4 win.
In the first game, Watertown’s offense exploded early, overwhelming Brandon Valley. Talan Jurgens led the charge with a stellar two-hit, five-RBI performance, highlighted by a grand slam to left field in the second inning. Nathan Briggs also contributed significantly, driving in three runs on two hits, while Mitch Olson added two RBIs on one hit, and Hayden Ries chipped in with an RBI on two hits. On the mound, Kaden Rylance earned the win, allowing just two runs on two hits while striking out an impressive seven batters. The game was called in the fifth inning due to the ten-run rule.
The second game saw Watertown jump out to an early four-run lead, but Brandon Valley battled back to narrow the margin. However, the Arrows held firm to secure a 5-4 victory. Marcus Pitkin and Mitch Olson each recorded two hits for Watertown. Jackson McClemans pitched five innings, allowing four runs on six hits and striking out eight, earning the win for the Arrows.
With the doubleheader sweep, Watertown Post 17 now holds a perfect 4-0 record in the legion season and an overall record of 15-12.
Looking ahead, the Arrows will remain at home to face Sioux Falls West in another doubleheader on Monday. The games are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on Post 17 TV.
While the Post 17 team has a break from games this weekend, the Watertown baseball community will be active. The Bobby Gasper Memorial Golf Tournament will take place on Friday at Cattail Crossing, followed by the Pizza Ranch Tournament for youth ages 8U-14U, which will be held on various fields across Watertown on Saturday and Sunday.
Mitch Olson has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Bobby Gasper Award.
The award goes to the Watertown Post 17 player who plays the game with heart, earns respect from opponents, umpires, coaches, and teammates. The player selected must also lead by example, take initiative, and represent Watertown Baseball with the utmost class – on and off the field.
In addition to the award, Olson was presented with a $1,000 scholarship toward his college education.
The Bobby Gasper Award was named for Bobby “Boomer” Gasper who passed away in January of 2023. Gasper was a 2004 graduate of Watertown High School and played baseball throughout the Watertown system.