Post 334 beat the rain and Missoula
In its first of two Friday games on Day 3 of the Rapid City Firecracker tournament, Post 334 pulled off a marathon 17-11 win over an old nemisis, Missoula, Montana.
The game — for the most part — was played in a light rain that ultimately caused a 35-minute delay after five complete innings. Post 334 put together a 5-run second and a 9-run third to take charge, but Missoula stayed in the game and when play was suspended after five trailed by five runs, 14-9. When play resumed in the top of the sixth, second baseman Devin Croal drilled a game-punctuating 3-run homer over the right center field fence. Mike Latta came on in relief to pitch the final two innings in more drizzle and was tapped for two runs. Though he did not get an official save, Latta protected the win for Pat Freese, who took over in the second inning for starter Will Heiser.
In addition to the homer by Croal, Mike Latta hit a 3-run homer during Post 334’s 9-run third and Jeremy Oakley hit a 2-run opposite-field homer over the right field fence during the 5-run second inning.
The victory left Post 334 with as 2-and-3 record in the tournament prior to the Friday evening game with host Post 22 of Rapid City. That game will be broadcast live over the web at kkls.net beginning at 8 p.m. CDT…
Posted: July 3rd, 2009