BROOKINGS – As had been the case in the previous three meetings with Brookings this season for the Huron Tigers, a big inning proved to be the downfall as the Tigers were eliminated in the first round of the South Dakota High School Baseball Association Class A playoffs by the score of 8-2 at Bob Shelden Field in Brookings.
The first two innings were scoreless for both clubs, but the bottom of the third inning is where the wheels came off for Tiger starting pitcher Johnny Hernandez.
After opening the third with a strikeout, Hernandez saw a runner reach on an error by shortstop Max Kranzler, walked the next two runners, and then allowed a single to give Brookings its first run of the game.
Hernandez uncorked a wild pitch that allowed a runner to score, coaxed a pop up, and then allowed three more singles. On the final single, the Tigers were able to throw out the Brookings runner attempting to add a second run on the play to finally get out of the inning.
When all was said and done, Brookings had scored five runs in the bottom of the third inning on four hits, two walks, a wild pitch, and an error.
The Tigers continued to fight, but could never fully get back into the game.
Hernandez threw 4 2/3 innings for Huron, striking out four. He gave way to Dawsyn Rogers, who tossed 1 1/3 innings.
On offense, the Tigers were led by Max Kranzler with a pair of hits. Mason Davis had a single, a walk, and a stolen base on the day for Huron.
The Tigers finish the season with a 6-13 record.
