Photo Courtesy: Sean Wahlfeldt

By: Ari Wohl

The Spearfish Sasquatch (3-5) took two of three over the Nebraska Prospects (1-2) in their first home series of 2024. The three-game series not only featured excitement on the field but also off the field with a rain-shortened win for the Sasquatch in game one, as well as a fireworks show after the Spearfish victory in game three.

Game 1:

The opening game of the series was delayed by 30 minutes due to rain and didn’t start well for the Sasquatch, as the Prospects struck first for five runs in the opening inning. But the Sasquatch didn’t back down, staying in the game thanks to a dominant relief outing by Colin Anderson, who retired the first 13 Prospects hitters he faced in order. Anderson delivered 4.2 innings allowing two runs and earning the win.

The offense then did what they have done all year: come back late in games. A five-run sixth inning put the Sasquatch in front 9-6 heading into the seventh. The Prospects answered back with two runs in the top of the seventh before the clouds once again opened up in the bottom of the seventh, causing the game to be called due to rain and giving the Sasquatch a 9-8 win.

Game 2:

Game two of the series featured another close battle, with Nebraska once again jumping in front early, this time with a four-run second inning. Spearfish would once again have to come from behind, and they did. Trailing 5-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Ben Tate delivered a three-run double to tie the game. Head coach Justus Scott then went to his bench for Kyle Phin who delivered the go-ahead RBI single to give the Sasquatch the lead. They would tack on one more and take a 7-5 lead into the eighth.

This time, Nebraska answered back with three runs in the top of the eighth to take an 8-7 lead. The Prospects would hold on to win by that score and tie the series up heading into the rubber match.

Game 3:

In the series finale, fans were treated to an excellent pitching performance by Sasquatch starter Russell Peterson. Peterson went five innings, striking out eight, allowing just three hits, and did not surrender a run.

The Sasquatch held a 5-0 lead heading into the sixth, but the Prospects got to Cade Bridges out of the bullpen, tagging him for four runs in the frame. This began the back-and-forth offensive battle over the next two innings.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Sasquatch struck back for two runs to extend their lead to 7-4 with Ben Breen and Seth Nelson picking up RBI. In the top of the seventh, the Prospects plated two more to cut the deficit to one run. Then in the bottom of the seventh, Micah Coleman brought home a pair with a double to give the Sasquatch a 9-6.

Elijah Bobo closed out the game, going three innings and allowing no runs to earn the save and secure a series victory for the Sasquatch.

Key Performers:

In the three-game series, Ben Green went 4-6 at the plate, with five runs scored and one run batted in. He also made a spectacular defensive play in center field in game two of the series. Patrick Rakes also continued his hot start to the season, going 5-9 and scoring three runs in the three-game set.

On the pitching side, Elijah Bobo worked 4.2 innings across the final two games of the series and did not allow a run. Bobo on the season has now pitched 6.2 innings and is yet to surrender his first run of the summer.

What’s Next:

The Sasquatch now welcome the Casper Spuds to Black Hills Energy Stadium. The Spuds (4-0) swept the Sasquatch to open the season and had both of their games against the Fremont Moo rained out.

Cade Bleeker will get the ball for the Sasquatch to open the series on June 1 as the Sasquatch will look for another series win in the three-game set. First pitch on Saturday and Monday is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. MDT, while Sunday’s game begins at 4:05 p.m.

Catch the action live at Black Hills Energy Stadium, or on the Spearfish Sasquatch YouTube channel.