LEGION
2004 News

• Legion season ends to host team at State
  (08.05.04) -- Pierre Post 8's 2004 season came to an end on Thursday with a stunning 5-4, 11-inning loss at the hands of the Aberdeen Post 24 Smittys at Aberdeen's Fossum Field. After falling behind 4-2 in the 6th, Post 8 rallied for runs in the 7th and 8th to force extra innings, but two two-out hits by Aberdeen knocked Pierre out of state tournament play. James Berreth led Post 8 offensively, going 3-for-5 and driving in a run. Harry Decker added a pair of hits and an RBI, and Brian Bumann had an RBI single for Post 8. Decker threw all 11 innings, allowing 10 hits in the loss. Post 8's season ends with a 31-33 record. Paul Karber, James Berreth, Andrew Berreth and Nathan Paul's careers ended on Thursday, while the other 14 team members can return in 2005.

• Legion falls to Brookings 7-3; meet Smittys in elimination game
  (08.04.04) -- Pierre Post 8 dropped their first game of the 2004 State Championship Tournament, falling 7-3 to the Brookings Post 74 Bandits Wednesday afternoon at Fossum Field in Aberdeen. Brookings scored two in the top of the 1st, and led the whole way, with Post 8 rarely threatening. Pierre did get a run in the 2nd to make it 3-1, and then, trailing 5-2, had the bases loaded in the 5th before Bandit pitcher Brady Diercks got a strikeout to escape the jam. Diercks pitched 8 2/3 innings, shutting down the Pierre order. Post 8 scored their runs on a passed ball, an RBI double by Paul Karber and an RBI double by Harry Decker. Allen Goodman was the losing pitcher. Decker, Kyle Kurth and Bret Graves each had a pair of htis to lead Post 8, who dropped to 31-32. Post 8 will be back in action Thursday afternoon, facing a familar situation. Not only are they on the verge of elimination in their second game, much like regions, but they will play Aberdeen in Aberdeen. Post 8 is 4-2 against the Smittys this season, as the teams split doubleheaders at each ballpark. Post 8 defeated the Smittys twice in Aberdeen's own tournament as well. The game, which is slated to start at around 12:30 p.m., will be broadcast on both River 92.7 FM and Today's KCCR 1240 AM.
  >>>State Championship Tournament Bracket<<<

• Post 8 second at Region 3A Tourney
  (08.02.04) -- Pierre Post 8 couldn't quite pull off the upset of Rapid City Post 22, but will be in Aberdeen Wednesday for the State Championship Tournament after placing second at the Region 3A Tournament in Spearfish. Post 22 defeated Pierre in the championship game 6-0 Saturday at Black Hills Fibercom Stadium. Post 22 scored a run in the 1st, one in the 5th and four in the 7th, while Post 8 only had one runner get into scoring position, only netting seven baserunners in the contest. Dan Johnson was the losing pitcher, throwing seven innings, walking only two while allowing twn hits. Allen Goodman posted three fo Post 8's seven hits, with James Berreth adding two more. Pierre enters state tournament play at the .500 mark, with a 31-31 record. They will take on the Brookings Post 74 Bandits in game two Wednesday, starting at approximately 12:30 p.m. The game can be heard live on AM 1240 KCCR and River 92.7 FM. >>>State Championship Tournament Bracket<<<

• ABERDEEN BOUND: Legion's offensive onslaught earns state tournament berth
  (07.31.04) -- Pierre Post 8 exploded for 39 hits in two games as they won two elimination games and earned a berth in the State Championship Tournament Friday night, defeating Rapid City Post 320 17-5 and Belle Fourche 16-6, at Black Hills Fibercom Stadium in Spearfish. Post 8 started the night by breaking open a close game, and pounding the Post 320 Stars. After dropping all four previous meetings with the Stars, Pierre had their offensive performance of the season. They had 24 hits in the game, led by Harry Decker and Tony Rislov. Decker supplied five hits, two of which were doubles. Rislov drove in six runs, and also had a double for Post 8. Decker was the winning pitcher. Post 8 then had to play the Belle Fourche Broncos, with the winner advancing to the region championship, and Post 8 built up a 10-0 lead and went on to win 16-6 in seven innings. Pierre got 15 hits in this performance, scoring five runs in the 1st. Kyle Kurth was the winning pitcher for Pierre, who improved to 31-30. Post 8 will play Rapid City Post 22 for the region championship Saturday, with Pierre needing two wins to claim the title, while Post 22 needs only one. The championship game begins at 2 p.m. CDT Saturday afternoon.

• Legion remains alive on Goodman's five-hitter
  (07.30.04) -- Pierre Post 8 remained alive in postseason play Thursday afternoon, as they defeated the Sturgis Post 33 Titans 10-0 in an elimination game of the Region 3A Tournament at Spearfish's Black Hills Fibercom Stadium. Post 8 road the coattails of Allen Goodman, who threw a complete game five-hitter, striking out ten. Goodman did walk three and hit two, but pitched his way around the few jams he had, most of which he did via the strike out. Pierre struggled offensively, as they managed just six hits. Pierre took advantage of five Sturgis errors, however, and only four of the ten runs were earned. Tony Rislov went 2-for-4 with a double, driving in four runs. Kyle Kurth added two more hits, one a triple, for Post 8. Pierre improved to 29-30 with the victory, and will need to win twice Friday night to advance to the region championship and earn a berth in the State Tournament. Pierre opens up Friday's play, as they will take on the Rapid City Post 320 Stars at 6:30 p.m. CDT. The winner will then take on Belle Fourche at approximately 9 p.m. Friday. Rapid City Post 22, who defeated Belle Fourche 18-5 on Thursday, has Friday off and will face the survivor of Friday in the championship game Saturday. The Post 8-Post 320 game, and if Post 8 should play Belle Fourche, will both be broadcast by River 92.7 FM and Today's KCCR AM 1240.
  BOX SCORE: Pierre 10, Sturgis 0

• Post 22 rallies to defeat Legion
  (07.29.04) -- Pierre Post 8 had their eyes on an upset, and for six innings they appeared on track, but a five-run 7th provided Rapid City Post 22 with an 8-5 victory in game two of the Region 3A Tournament at Spearfish's Black Hills Fibercom Stadium. Pierre trailed 2-0 when they scored three in the 4th, the first on an error and then RBI singles from Bret Graves and Chris Mangan. Harry Decker's infield single scored a run in the 5th, and Kyle Kurth singled in a run in the 6th to give Post 8 a 5-2 lead. That stood until the 7th, when Post 22 used a perfect bunt to load the bases and then disaster struck. A double play groundball was misplayed, giving Post 22 one run. Then cleanup hitter Billy Lukkes found the left-center field gap for a three-run triple and a 6-5 Post 22 lead, one that they would not relinquish. Tony Rislov, Graves and Decker each had two hits, one of Graves' a triple. Lost in it all was a tremendous pitching performance from Brian Graves. The 16-year old southpaw threw a complete game, and only five of the runs Post 22 scored were earned. Graves walked only one and struck out two, and despite giving up 14 hits, pitched his way out of a couple of jams. Post 8's record now sits at 28-30, and they must win three straight to stay alive and advance to state. A loss before Saturday means Pierre is eliminated from postseason play. Pierre will take on the loser of the Belle Fourche-Sturgis game Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. CDT in an elimination game in Spearfish.
  BOX SCORE: Rapid City Post 22 8, Pierre 5

• Legion splits finale at Aberdeen
  (07.24.04) -- Pierre Post 8 concluded its regular season Saturday night, splitting a doubleheader with the Aberdeen Post 24 Smittys at Aberdeen's Fossum Field. In game one, Post 8 fought the Smittys all the way, and on Brian Bumann's run-scoring single in the 8th, claimed a 7-6 victory. Harry Decker was the starting pitcher, with Kyle Kurth gaining the win in relief. In the nightcap, Post 8 errors provided the Smittys with enough for a 2-1 victory. Allen Goodman tossed a complete game, and was not charged with an earned run. Kyle Kurth and James Berreth had the only hits for Post 8, who had the tying run on second when the game ended. Post 8 finishes its regular season with a 28-29 mark. They will be in Spearfish Wednesday for opening round play in the Region 3A tournament, as they take on Rapid City Post 22 in the second game of the tournament.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 7, Aberdeen 6 ; Game 2: Aberdeen 2, Pierre 1

• Legion splits at Brookings
  (07.22.04) -- Pierre Post 8 won an offensive affair 9-8 in the opener, but Brookings won the defensive struggle 2-0, as the two squads split a doubleheader Thursday at Bob Shelden Field in Brookings. Post 8 got a complete game performance from Paul Karber on the mound, as he was the winning pitcher. Allen Goodman had three hits to lead Pierre offensively, with Chris Mangan adding a pair. In game two, the Bandits scored a run in each of the first two innings and held Post 8 to only three hits in a 2-0 victory. Willie Knox was the losing pitcher, throwing the first two innings. Brian Graves threw four innings of shutout relief to keep Pierre in the game. Kyle Kurth had two of Pierre's three hits, with Bret Graves supplying the other. Post 8, now 27-28 on the season, will close out their regular season on Saturday in Aberdeen. They are 3-1 against the Smittys thus far, beating them twice in a tournament in Aberdeen after splitting with Post 24 in Pierre. Then Post 8 will head off to the regional tournament, which begins next Wednesday at Black Hills Fibercom Stadium in Spearfish.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 9, Brookings 8 ; Game 2: Brookings 2, Pierre 0

• Legion defeats Split Squad; whitewashed by Post 22
  (07.20.04) -- Pierre Post 8 rallied to defeat the Rapid City Post 22 Split Squad, but then suffered the worst loss in the Jim Iverson reign as head coach to the Post 22 varsity. In the end, Post 8 split a doubleheader, going 1-3 in a four-game road trip to Rapid City's Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium. Pierre defeated the Post 22 Split Squad 11-6 in the opening game Tuesday night. Post 8 tied the game at six with a run in the 6th, then used a five-run 7th for the win. Tony Rislov knocked his ninth homer run of the year, a three-run shot, to lead Post 8 offensively. Kyle Kurth added a pair of hits for Post 8, who got a complete game pitching performance from Dan Johnson. Then in the nightcap, Post 22 dominated from the start, holding Pierre to just one hit in a 19-0 five-inning victory. Kurth supplied Pierre's only hit, while Harry Decker was the losing pitcher. Post 8 currently sits at 26-27 this year, and will need to sweep the final four games of the regular season to ensure themselves of a winning record. They visit Brookings Thursday to take on the Bandits, a 5 p.m. doubleheader at Bob Shelden Field. They finish up Saturday in Aberdeen for a 5:30 p.m. twinbill with the Smittys.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 11, RC Split Squad 6 ; Game 2: RC Post 22 19, Pierre 0

• Legion falls twice in Rapid City
  (07.19.04) -- Pierre Post 8 lost twice in Rapid City Monday night, dropping a 10-7 decision to the Post 22 Split Squad, then losing to the Post 22 varsity 10-2 at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium. Against the Split Squad, Pierre held a 4-1 advantage after five innings, but Rapid City scored nine runs on eight hits in the 6th and held off a late rally for the win. Kyle Kurth was the losing pitcher, but did have two hits, including a double. Chris Mangan had a pair of hits, and Tony Rislov had a two-run single for Post 8. In the nightcap, Post 8 fell behind early, and had a disastrous 4th inning in losing 10-2 to Rapid City Post 22. Pierre trailed 4-0 after three innings, but Brian Bumann got Pierre's first hit, a double to left center, scoring Harry Decker. When Post 8 appeared to be back in the game, they loaded the bases, then allowed all three runners to score on a passed ball, and Post 22 cruised from there. Pierre managed just three hits, with Paul Karber doubling in the 5th and Rislov adding a leadoff single in the 6th. Kurth hit a sacrifice fly to score Karber in the 5th for the other Post 8 run. Pierre has dropped six of their last seven, and have dropped below .500 at 25-26. They take on the Split Squad at 6 p.m. CDT Tuesday, then Post 22 at 8:30 p.m. The Post 22 contest can be heard on River 92.7 FM.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: RC Split Squad 10, Pierre 7 ; Game 2: RC Post 22 10, Pierre 2

• Region 3A pairings announced
  (07.18.04) -- Region 3A legion athletic officer Jim Gandy announced the pairings for the 2004 Region 3A baseball tournament, to be played July 28-31 at Black Hills Fibercom Stadium in Spearifsh. The pairings were drawn out of a hat at the regional meeting, and Post 8 will have to travel a tough road to the state tournament, to be held in Aberdeen August 4-8. In the top half of the six-team bracket, Sturgis will open the tournament against the host team, Spearfish. Belle Fourche drew a bye and will face the winner of that opening game. Pierre Post 8 will take on powerhouse Rapid City Post 22 in the second game of the tournament, with the winner taking on Rapid City Post 320. The Post 320 Stars drew the other bye in the tournament. The Pierre-Post 22 contest will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m. CDT, 1:30 p.m. local time. Both River 92.7 FM and KCCR 1240 AM will be on hand to cover the tournament.
  Region 3A Tournament Bracket

• Watertown hands legion two losses in home finale
  (07.13.04) -- Pierre Post 8 saw leads fall by the wayside in each game of a doubleheader against Watertown Post 17, losing their final two games in front of their home crowd, 12-9 and 6-5. In the opener, Watertown scored five runs in each the 5th and 7th to gain the victory. Harry Decker had three hits, including two doubles, with Chris Mangan and Kyle Kurth adding three hits each. Tony Rislov had two hits, including a solo home run, his eighth of the season. Decker started the game, allowing just two runs in four innings. Pierre used three relievers, with Michael Kendall getting charged with the loss. The nightcap saw Post 8 maintain a 3-0 lead through four, but Watertown scored five 5th inning runs, then added one in the 6th and escaped two Pierre threats to preserve a 6-5 victory. Post 8 had the tying run on third with one out in the 6th and left him stranded, then a muffed bunt attempt and a double play groundball erased a two on, nobody out threat into a Watertown win. Tony Rislov went 3-for-4 with a triple and two doubles to lead Post 8 offensively. Kurth had three hits, two doubles, and Allen Goodman and Brian Bumann each doubled. Paul Karber was the losing pitcher, allowing just three earned runs. Post 8, losers of four of their last five, are 25-24. They are off until next Monday, when they go out west for a four-game, two-day set with Rapid City Post 22.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Watertown 12, Pierre 9 ; Game 2: Watertown 6, Pierre 5

• Post 8 runners up in Koester
  (07.11.04) -- Pierre Post 8 lost their second heartbreaker in as many days to Valley Springs Sunday afternoon, dropping a 7-6 decision in the championship game of the 15th Annual Doug Koester Memorial Tournament. Pierre took a 2-0 lead in the 1st frame, and did not trail until the 6th, when Valley Springs took a 6-4 lead. Pierre rallied for two in the 6th, but Valley Springs scored one in the 7th, and a Pierre threat ended on a double play grounder. Kyle Kurth had three hits, including a triple, and James Berreth also had three for Pierre. Brian Graves added two hits, and Chris Mangan tripled in a run for Post 8. Dan Johnson threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing six runs. Goodman threw the final 1 2/3, but gave up the final run, giving him his third loss of the year. Post 8 started the day by defeating the Rapid City Split Squad 13-2 in four innings in the day's first game. The game was to be played Saturday night, but rain postponed it to Sunday morning. James Berreth, Bret Graves and Brian Bumann each had two hits for Pierre, while Allen Goodman was the winning pitcher. Pierre, posting a 25-22 mark, has only one home doubleheader left, a twinbill with Watertown Post 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday night at Hyde Stadium.
  BOX SCORES: Pierre 13, RC Split Squad 2 ; Championship ~ Valley Springs 7, Pierre 6

• Valley Springs rallies to defeat legion
  (07.10.04) -- Valley Springs is the only unbeaten team through two days of the Koester Tournament, rallying from an early deficit and scoring the winning run in the 7th to take a 5-4 victory over Pierre Post 8 Saturday night. Post 8 was scheduled to also play the Rapid City Split Squad, but rain has postponed that game until Sunday at 8:30, before championship round play. Post 8 scored three unearned runs in the 1st, and led 4-2 before Valley Springs scored two in the 6th, then pushed across the winning run in the 7th. Kyle Kurth was the losing pitcher, throwing a complete game. Pierre will play twice Sunday, and two wins would mean an unprecedented third-straight Koester Tournament title.
  BOX SCORE: Valley Springs 5, Pierre 4

• Post 8 defeats Huron in Koester
  (07.09.04) -- Pierre Post 8 scored first and never looked back, defeating the Huron Post 7 Orioles 9-4 Friday night in their first game of the 15th Annual Doug Koester Memorial Tournament at Hyde Stadium. The Orioles scored three of their four on a pair of home runs, while Post 8 played small ball for most of their runs. In the final two innings, however, Post 8 did so something remarkable. After hitting just 15 triples in the first 43 games, Allen Goodman, Tony Rislov and Brian Bumann all tripled in the span of 1 1/3 innings as Post 8 broke open a 6-4 ballgame. Harry Decker went the distance on the mound, scattering ten hits for his sixth win of the year. Pierre, 24-20, will take on Valley Springs at 5:30, then the Rapid City Split Squad at 8 p.m. Saturday night as day two of the Koester Tournament takes place Saturday at Hyde.
  BOX SCORE: Pierre 9, Huron 4

• Legion homers way to sweep of Mitchell
  (07.06.04) -- Pierre Post 8 hit four home runs on their way to a sweep of Mitchell Post 18 Tuesday night at Hyde Stadium, 15-5 and 3-1. Pierre took the first game after falling behind 5-2, committing five errors in the 4th inning. Post 8 came back to take a 6-5 lead, then put up nine in the 6th to win via the ten-run rule. Tony Rislov smacked a two-run home run that hit the top of the left field fence, then bounced over, for his 7th homer of the year in the 1st. Harry Decker had a two-run shot in the 5th to give Pierre the lead for good, and James Berreth hit one of his own in the 6th to give Post 8 an 8-5 advantage. Kyle Kurth had two hits, including a double, and four runs batted in for Post 8. Allen Goodman was the winning pitcher, allowing just one earned run, striking out four. In the nightcap, Bret Graves broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run shot that stayed just inside the left field foul pole to give Post 8 what turned out to be the final runs, a 3-1 win. Kurth provided Post 8's other run, singling home Brian Bumann. Dan Johnson was the winner, going the distance while striking out seven. Post 8 improved to 23-20 on the season, as they prepare for the Koester Memorial Tournament this weekend at Hyde.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 15, Mitchell 5 ; Game 2: Pierre 3, Mitchell 1

• Legion falls again in Dickinson
  (07.04.04) -- Pierre Post 8 finished up play in the Terry Jablonski Wood Bat Classic Sunday afternoon, dropping a 5-1 decision to host Dickinson, ND. The Rough Riders led the whole way, as Post 8 again struggled offensively. Pierre had a meager two hits, singles by Tony Rislov and Bret Graves. Graves had Pierre's only RBI. Kyle Kurth threw for Post 8, getting the loss. Jim Iverson's squad, now 21-20, plays host to Mitchell Post 18 Tuesday night, game time is 5:30 p.m. at Hyde Stadium.
  BOX SCORE: Dickinson ND 5, Pierre 1

• Legion drops third in Dickinson
  (07.03.04) -- Pierre Post 8 dropped their third decision in five games thus far at the Jablonski Classic Saturday morning, falling to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada 7-1 in Dickinson, ND. Pierre fell behind 4-0 after the first two frames, and managed just two hits. Both of those hits came off of Harry Decker's bat, one of which a double, as he continues his hot hitting at the tournament. Kyle Kurth's sacrifice fly in the 7th produced Post 8's only run. Paul Karber started the game, going four innings in the loss. Brian Graves threw the final three for Pierre. Now 21-19, Pierre looks to get back to three games over .500 on Sunday, as they take on the hosting Dickinson Rough Riders at 2:30 p.m. CDT.
  BOX SCORE: Moose Jaw, Sask. 7, Pierre 1

• Legion again splits in Dickinson
  (07.02.04) -- Pierre Post 8 again split two games in the Terry Jablonski Wood Bat Classic, beating the Rapid City Split Squad 9-1 before falling to Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada 5-3 Friday in Dickinson, ND. The opening game of the day saw Post 8 cruise behind the pitching of Harry Decker, who was the winner. Decker and Bret Graves led Post 8 with two hits apiece in Post 8's 21st win. In Pierre's second game of the day, Weyburn jumped out to an early lead and held off a late Post 8 rally. Pierre managed three hits - singles by Decker, Tony Rislov and James Berreth. Michael Kendall was the losing pitcher. Pierre takes on Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on Saturday morning, then has a Sunday afternoon affair with host Dickinson to end the tournament.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 9, RC Split Squad 1 ; Game 2: Weyburn, Sask. 5, Pierre 3

• Legion splits pitchers duals at Dickinson tourney
  (07.01.04) -- Pierre Post 8 took part in two low scoring affairs Thursday in the Terry Jablonski Wood Bat Classic, defeating Glendive, MT 5-4, then falling 1-0 to Gallatin Valley of Montana in Dickinson, ND. Post 8 rallied from a 4-2 deficit to score three in the bottom of the 7th to win game one. Allen Goodman tossed a complete game, getting the win. Only one of the four runs Goodman allowed was earned. Pierre had only two hits in the inning, a leadoff single by Paul Karber, who scored two batters later on Kyle Kurth's single. Michael Kendall and Kurth each stole a base, with Kendall scoring and Kurth advancing on an error. Kurth then brought home the winning run on a passed ball for the 5-4 victory. Pierre had just four hits, two in the last inning. Kurth had two hits, one a double, and Harry Decker drove in a run with a single. In the second game, Pierre suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 setback to Gallatin Valley. Dan Johnson went the distance, deserving a better fate. In the bottom of the 7th of a scoreless game, Gallatin Valley's leadoff man bunted for a hit, stole two bases, and scored on a bloop single. Decker had Post 8's only hit of the game. Pierre, 20-17, takes on the Rapid City Split Squad at 8:30 a.m. Friday, then will take on Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada at 3:15 in day two of the four-day tournament.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 5, Glendive MT 4 ; Game 2: Gallatin Valley MT 1, Pierre 0

• Legion sweep Spearfish; win streak at six
  (06.29.04) -- Pierre Post 8 has their longest win streak of the year after taking two from Spearfish Post 164 Tuesday night at the new Black Hills Fibercom Stadium in Spearfish. Post 8 cruised in game one, winning 10-0. Kyle Kurth was the winning pitcher, and also had two hits for Pierre.. Kurth led off the game with a triple, and then got out of a bases loaded, no out jam in the bottom of the 1st to kickstart Post 8 into gear. Pierre also took the nightcap 4-0. Paul Karber hurled a complete game for Post 8.   Tony Rislov smacked two doubles to lead the attack offensively. Post 8, now 19-16, is 10-3 in their last 13 games. Winners of six straight, they'll be in Dickinson, ND for the Terry Jablonksi Wood Bat Classic over the 4th of July weekend.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 10, Spearfish 0 ; Game 2: Pierre 4, Spearfish 0

• Legion games with Winner cancelled
  (06.27.04) -- Pierre Post 8's games with Winner, scheduled for Thursday, July 15, have been cancelled. Winner's regional tournament will be starting that day, so when Winner received the news, they were forced to cancel. The games will not be rescheduled.

• Legion over .500 with 4-0 tournament
  (06.27.04) -- Pierre Post 8 has a winning record for the first time this season and have won 8 of their last 11 after a 4-0 performance in the Aberdeen Smittys Invitational Tournament this past weekend in Aberdeen. Pierre's first victim was Sisseton, and they whomped them 9-1 in only five innings. Bret Graves went 3-for-3 with a double, and James Berreth and Chris Mangan added two hits a piece in the victory. Michael Kendall was the winning pitcher, alloiwng just four hits, striking out six. Next on Saturday, it was the Aberdeen Smittys, and Post 8 did away with Post 24 7-0. Allen Goodman went the distance on the mound, sriking out five in the victory. Tony Rislov and Brian Bumann each had three hits, with Kyle Kurth and Harry Decker each adding a pair. Decker, Rislov and Kendall each drove in two runs. Sunday, Post 8's day started with a 3-0 win over Webster. Pierre only had seven hits, but had four in the 6th, as they broke open a scoreless tie to get their three. Dan Johnson threw a complete game two-hitter, striking out five. Goodman stroked a pair of doubles, and Brian Bumann added two hits, one a two-bagger. Pierre then took care of the Smittys again, this time a 5-2 victory. Harry Decker scatted eight hits in a complete game performance, while adding two hits and an RBI offensively. Nathan Paul went 3-for-3 with a triple and two RBI. Pierre is now 17-16, winners of four straight. They will be at Spearfish Tuesday, then partake in the Jablonski Wood Bat Classic over the 4th of July weekend.
  SATURDAY BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 9, Sisseton 1 ; Game 2: Pierre 7, Aberdeen 0
  SUNDAY BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 3, Webster 0 ; Game 2: Pierre 5, Aberdeen 2

• Legion, Yankton rout each other in split
  (06.23.04) -- Pierre Post 8 and Yankton Post 12 each were victorious via the ten-run rule, as they split a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at Riverside Stadium in Yankton. Post 8 won game one 13-2 in five innings. Tony Rislov went 3-for-3 with 7 RBI, incluidng a two-run home run and a three-run double. Kyle Kurth and Chris Mangan chipped in three hits apiece, and Brian Bumann added a two-run homer for Pierre. Overshadowed by the offense, Pierre pitcher Harry Decker went the distance, allowing just three hits while gaining the win. In the nightcap, Tony Rislov provided one of the few bright spots by smacking his second homer of the day, this one of the solo variety, as Pierre dropped a 13-3 decision in six innings. It was Rislov's sixth blast of the year. Michael Kendall and Decker drove in the other two runs for Post 8, who is now 13-16. Kyle Kurth was the losing pitcher. Pierre continues its road trip this weekend in Aberdeen, playing in the Smittys Invitational Tournament. They'll take on Sisseton and the Smittys Saturday, then Webster and the Smittys Sunday.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 13, Yankton 2 ; Game 2: Yankton 13, Pierre 3

• Goodman's grand slam propels legion to split
  (06.21.04) -- Allen Goodman tossed a complete game victory, but it was his grand slam home run in the bottom of the 6th that drew all the attention as Post 8 defeated the Brookings Post 74 Bandits 11-10 in game one, before falling 9-8 in the nightcap of a doubleheader Monday night at Hyde Stadum. Goodman allowed only three earned runs in the opener, gaining the win, and also had an RBI single on top of his grand slam. Harry Decker added two hits and four RBI. In the second game, Pierre took an 8-6 lead into the 6th when disaster struck. Two Bandit flyballs were lost in the night sky, scoring three Brookings run, giving them a 9-8 advantage. Post 8 threatened in the 7th, but couldn't push the tying run across. Lucas Jeanotte started the game, but Paul Karber was charged with the loss in relief. Brian Bumann was 2-for-4 with a triple, with Kyle Kurth and Tony Rislov each adding a pair of hits. Jim Iverson's legion, 12-15 on the season, travels to Yankton Wednesday for a 3 p.m. twinbill, game one on River 92.7 FM.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 11, Brookings 10 ; Game 2: Brookings 9, Pierre 8

• Sturgis, legion split
  (06.18.04) -- In two pitcher's duals, Pierre Post 8 and Sturgis Post 33 split a doubleheader Friday night at Sturgis' Strong Field. In game one, Pierre saw an early lead fall as Sturgis proved victorious 4-3. Dan Johnson went the distance, being charged with the loss. Chris Mangan smacked a two-run single into right center for Post 8's offensive highlight. In the nightcap, Post 8's early lead proved enough as they claimed a 5-4 win. Michael Kendall tossed a five-hitter, gaining his first win of the season. Harry Decker drove in a pair of runs, and he and Kyle Kurth each had two hits. Post 8, 11-14 this year, will be at home Monday as they take on the Brookings Post 74 Bandits. Game one, beginning at 5:30 p.m., will be broadcast by River 92.7 FM and KCCR 1240 AM.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Sturgis 4, Pierre 3 ; Game 2: Pierre 5, Sturgis 4

• Legion defeats region foe
  (06.16.04) -- With rain cancelling one game, Pierre Post 8 was finally able to notch a win in Region 3A, defeating Spearfish Post 164 7-0 Wednesday night at Hyde Stadium in Pierre. Harry Decker and Kyle Kurth combined to throw a shutout, with Decker tossing the first five, Kurth the final two. Offensively, Tony Rislov had three hits, including a three-run triple, to lead Post 8. Brian Bumann also had three hits, with Chris Mangan and Kurth adding two hits apiece. Jim Iverson's squad, now 10-13 in 2004, will be in Sturgis Friday, taking on the Post 33 Titans in a 6 p.m. doubleheader at Strong Field. Game one can be heard on the FM radio home for Post 8 baseball, River 92.7 FM, with the pregame starting at 5:45 p.m. CDT.
  BOX SCORE: Pierre 7, Spearfish 0

• Legion recovers for split with Yankton
  (06.15.04) -- Pierre Post 8 was dominated in game one, but came back with an excellent second game and hung on for a split against Yankton Post 12 Tuesday at Hyde Stadium. The first pitch of the game was a Yankton bunt that was misplayed, starting a dismal performance that saw Pierre make five errors and only notch seven hits as Yankton cruised 16-4. Pierre did have an inspirational moment, as Bret Graves returned to the lineup after missing over a week due to an eye injury. Graves' first swing landed over the center field fence for a solo home run, as he went 2-for-2 in game one. Tony Rislov added a two-run blast. Lucas Jeanotte was the losing pitcher in te opener. Game two saw Post 8 take a 12-4 lead after six, only to see Post 12 score seven in the 7th, and with the winning run at the plate, finally fall, as Pierre claimed a 12-11 victory. Allen Goodman threw a complete game, allowing 12 hits, five in the last inning, and only six earned runs. Pierre, now 9-13 on the year, hosts Spearfish Wednesday, start time is 5:30 p.m.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Yankton 16, Pierre 4 ; Game 2: Pierre 12, Yankton 11

• Legion splits at Huron
  (06.12.04) -- Pierre Post 8 legion lost game one 9-8, but came back to grab a split by defeating the Huron Post 7 Orioles 7-4 in game two Saturday afternoon at Memorial Park in Huron. Paul Karber tossed a complete game in the opener, allowing just four earned runs. Brian Bumann and Tony Rislov each had a pair of hits in game one, with Rislov driving in three runs. In game two, Michael Kendall hurled a complete game, allowing just six hits, striking out three. Kyle Kurth had three hits, including a double, and two runs batted in. James Berreth and Tony Rislov each had two hits, each hitting a double. Allen Goodman also had two hits for Post 8, which broke a five game losing streak, is now 8-12 on the season. Pierre will be at home back-to-back nights this week, hosting Yankton Tuesday and Spearifsh Wednesday, each night starting at 5:30 p.m.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Huron 9, Pierre 8 ; Game 2: Pierre 7, Huron 4

• Post 320 takes two at Hyde
  (06.11.04) -- Jim Iverson's Pierre Post 8 legion were one out away from their first win against a Region 3A opponent in game one, but ended up being swept by Rapid City Post 320 Friday night at Hyde Stadium. Post 8 had thrown two men out at the plate in the opener and had come back from a deficit in the 4th, 5th and 6th. All they needed was to retire Travis Burhans, the Post 320 catcher. Burhans then hit the first pitch he saw over the left field fence for a deflating three-run homer, giving Post 320 a 12-10 lead and sucking all the life out of Post 8 and its fans. Post 320 then took a lead from the outset in game two, and pitched around the one serious Post 8 threat to come away a winner 9-4 in the nightcap. In the opener, every Post 8 batter reached base, with Allen Goodman nailing a two-run double and Kurth also scoring a run on a double. Michael Kendall got the loss in relief. In the second contest, Kurth had three hits, Harry Decker three RBI, and Tony Rislov smacked a solo home run to left. Goodman started and was the losing pitcher. Pierre dropped to 7-11 on the year, and will be at Huron Saturday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader. Game one can be heard, starting at 12:45 p.m., on River 92.7 FM.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: RC Post 320 12, Pierre 10 ; Game 2: RC Post 320 9, Pierre 4

• Legion swept at Watertown
  (06.10.04) -- Pierre Post 8 fell back below the .500 mark, dropping a pair of games to Watertown Post 17 Thursday night at Watertown. In game one, Allen Goodman negotiated a bases loaded walk to put Post 8 up 1-0 in the first, but Pierre left the bases loaded. That would be the end for Post 8 offensively. Watertown loaded the bases in the bottom half, scoring three and never looking back. Pierre left the bases loaded twice in the game, falling 5-1. Kyle Kurth was the losing pitcher. In game two, Watertown again scored early, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st and going on to win 5-0. Harry Decker was the losing pitcher. Post 8, now 7-9 on the season, hosts Rapid City Post 320 Friday night at 5:30 at Hyde Stadium.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Watertown 5, Pierre 1 ; Game 2: Watertown 5, Pierre 0

• Legion splits with Aberdeen
  (06.09.04) -- Jim Iverson's Pierre Post 8 legion split with the Aberdeen Post 24 Smittys Tuesday night at Hyde Stadium in Pierre. Post 8 dropped game one 13-11, then came back to win game two 7-5. In the opener, Post 8 used a six-run second inning to grab an early 6-2 lead. That lead quickly evaporated, as the Smittys put up a six spot in the top of the 3rd, then three in the 4th and two in the 5th. Pierre battled back late, but the final margin ended up 13-11.Tony Rislov, Harry Decker and Allen Goodman all had three hits for Post 8, with Brian Bumann driving in three runs. Willie Knox was the losing pitcher. In the nightcap, Post 8 saw a 4-2 lead fall by the wayside in the top of the sixth, only to have the unlikeliest of heroes produce. Rookie Mike Fisher, after failing to lay down a bunt earlier in the at bat, made his first legion at bat memorable by striking an RBI triple to left center to tie the game at five apiece. Kyle Kurth doubled to the same gap to score Fisher's winning run, and Post 8 added another and shut out the Smittys to earn the split. Brian Graves threw six innings, walking only one, garnering the victory. Michael Kendall set the Smittys down 1-2-3 in the seventh to earn the save. Post 8, now 7-7 on the season, travels to Watertown Thursday.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Aberdeen 13, Pierre 11 ; Game 2: Pierre 7, Aberdeen 5

• Legion takes 3 of 4 from Valley Springs
  (06.07.04) -- Pierre Post 8 continued their homestand this weekend, as they won three out of four against Valley Springs Post 131 at Hyde Stadium. Saturday night, Post 8 took the opener 8-7. Kyle Kurth notched a complete game victory, and had two hits. Allen Goodman went 3-for-3 with a double and a triple, driving in three to lead Pierre. Post 8 then won the second game 12-2 in five innings, again sparked by a 3-for-3 performance from Goodman, who had a double and three RBI. Paul Karber added two hits, including his second career home run, a two-run shot, for Post 8. Sunday afternoon's twinbill saw Valley Springs as a 13-6 winner in the opener. Valley Springs scored six in the top of the 1st and never looked back. Lucas Jeanotte got the loss, as Post 8 committed 12 errors. Only four of the runs allowed by Jeanotte were earned. Pierre came back to win the final contest 8-5. Karber threw a complete game seven-hitter, hanging on for the win.Harry Decker had two hits to lead Pierre. Post 8, 6-6 on the young season, hosts the Aberdeen Post 24 Smittys Tuesday night at Hyde. The first game will begin at 5:30 p.m.
  SATURDAY BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 8, Valley Springs 7 ; Game 2: Pierre 12, Valley Springs 2
  SUNDAY BOX SCORES: Game 1: Valley Springs 13, Pierre 6 ; Game 2: Pierre 8, Valley Springs 5

• Legion starts homestand with sweep of Huron
  (06.04.04) -- Pierre Post 8 began an eight game homestand, and a stretch where they will play 10 of 12 at Hyde Stadium by sweeping the Huron Post 7 Orioles Friday night in Pierre. Willie Knox hurled a complete game, allowing just six hits in the opener as Post 8 defeated Huron 10-3. Bret Graves was 3-for-3, and Tony Rislov and Kyle Kurth added two hits apiece for Post 8. In the nightcap, Post 8 hung on to defeat Huron 6-3. Brian Graves threw six innings without giving up an earned run, but struggled in the seventh, and the tying run came to the plate with two on and two out. Allen Goodman was called in from the bullpen for the five pitch save, his first. James Berreth and Kyle Kurth each had two hits, Kurth striking an RBI triple. Post 8, now 3-5 on the season, plays host to Valley Springs Saturday and Sunday.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 10, Huron 3 ; Game 2: Pierre 6, Huron 3

• Legion gets first win, splits at Mitchell
  (06.02.04) -- Pierre Post 8's legion got their first win of the season, splitting a doubleheader with Mitchell Post 18 Wednesday night at Cadwell Park. Post 8 took the opener 5-1, but dropped the second game 6-1. In game one, Allen Goodman led the way, tossing a two-hitter, one of which was an infield hit. The other hit put Post 18 on top 1-0 after an inning, but Post 8 grabbed their first lead of the year on Kyle Kurth's two-run triple to right center. Brian Graves had two hits, including a double, and drove in two more runs for Post 8. In the second contest, Lucas Jeanotte went the distance in a losing cause. James Berreth singled in Kurth for Post 8's only run. Jim Iverson's squad, now 1-5 on the season, comes home for a six-game homestand this weekend. They take on Huron Friday night, then have a four-game, two-day set with Valley Springs. First pitch Friday night against Huron is 5:30, and you can listen to the first game on River 92.7 FM or AM 1240 Today's KCCR.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: Pierre 5, Mitchell 1; Game 2: Mitchell 6, Pierre 1

• Rapid City Post 22 takes two from legion
  (06.01.04) -- Rapid City Post 22 spoiled Post 8's Memorial Day home opener. An offensive onslaught provided 31 runs, as Post 22 swept Pierre Post 8 15-1 and 16-4 Monday afternoon at Hyde Stadium. In game one, Post 8 battled Post 22 tightly for four innings, trailing 4-1 after giving up two unearned runs. Kyle Kurth threw those first five, allowing four runs, striking out five while being charged with the loss.. Post 22 added 11 in the last two innings, and their pitching allowed just one hit - a Willie Knox single off the pitcher's glove. In game two, Post 8 trailed from the start, but did show some offense as the game went on. Brian Bumann had three hits, including a double, and Tony Rislov hit a towering home run to left. Harry Decker was the losing pitcher, throwing four innings, striking out one. Jim Iverson's squad, now 0-4 on the young season, travels to Mitchell Tuesday night.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: RC Post 22 15, Pierre 1 ; Game 2: RC Post 22 16, Pierre 4

• Post 320 sweeps legion in opener
  (05.29.04) -- Pierre Post 8 showed glimpses of last year's magic, but were swept by Rapid City Post 320 Friday night at Pete Lien Field in Rapid City. In game one, Chris Mangan's leadoff single started the season out on the right foot. But a hit-and-run turned into a double play, and Rapid City Post 320 jumped out to a 8-0 lead. Finally in the Top of the 4th, Chris Pope singled to right field, scoring Paul Karber and putting Post 8 on the board, but it was not enough, with 320 claiming a 10-2 win. Allen Goodman and Willie Knox threw, with Goodman the losing pitcher.
  Game two saw Post 8's bats come alive. Bret Graves smacked a two-run home run, and Tony Rislov hit a two-run triple to put Post 8 on top. Rapid City Post 320 came back to tie the game in the fifth, and scored the winning run in the sixth. Post 8 did show life in the 7th, as they loaded the bases with one out In the end, the rally failed, as Post 320 had just enough to hang on for a 6-5 victory. Lucas Jeanotte tossed a complete game for Pierre, striking out seven.
  Post 8 returns to action Memorial Day for an afternoon twinbill with Rapid City Post 22. The first game starts at 2 p.m. Pierre mayor Dennis Eisnach will be on hand to throw out the first pitch for game one, which can be heard on both River 92.7 FM and KCCR 1240 AM. KCCR will broadcast both games.
  BOX SCORES: Game 1: RC Post 320 10, Pierre 2 ; Game 2: RC Post 320 6, Pierre 5