{KXLG -Watertown, SD} Watertown Post 17 showcased their formidable talent with back-to-back shutout victories over Milbank, winning 11-0 in Game 1 and 13-0 in Game 2. The dominant performance comes just in time as the Arrows prepare to host the Class A American Legion Baseball Tournament.
In the opening game, Jonathan Lake was a standout at the plate, going three-for-four as the Arrows secured an 11-0 victory, which was called in the fifth inning due to the run rule. Talan Jurgens also contributed significantly with two hits and an RBI.
The highlight of Game 1, however, belonged to pitcher Kaden Rylance, who shattered Post 17’s single-season strikeout record. Rylance, an SDSU recruit, fanned five batters in two innings, bringing his season total to 139 strikeouts in 81 2/3 innings pitched. He surpassed the previous record of 136 strikeouts, held by Spencer Waite since 1996. Jackson McClemans and Carter Buisker provided strong relief, combining for eight strikeouts.
The shutout streak continued in Game 2, with Talan Jurgens earning the win on the mound, striking out five over four innings. Nathan Briggs closed out the game with three strikeouts in an inning of relief, securing the 13-0 victory. Offensively, Mitch Olson had a stellar performance, driving in five runs on four hits, narrowly missing the cycle with a triple and a double. McClemans, Buisker, and Cain Everson each added two hits.
Watertown Post 17, now boasting a 37-25 overall record and 26-13 in league play, is poised for the Class A American Legion Baseball Tournament. The tournament will be held from July 29 to August 2 at Watertown Stadium. The Arrows will open their tournament run against Pierre Post 8 on July 29 at 7 p.m. Fans can catch all the tournament action on Post 17 TV.