Riders Split Doubleheader with Rapid City Post 320

GILLETTE, Wyo. — The Gillette Riders split a doubleheader with Rapid City Post 320 on Monday, winning the opener 9-4 before falling 12-6 in Game 2.

In Game 1, senior right-hander Karver Partlow delivered a dominant performance on the mound, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing just one hit, no walks, and striking out five to earn his first win of the season. At the plate, Partlow reached base in every at-bat via walk.

The Riders’ offense provided plenty of support, scoring nine runs on eight hits. They drew seven walks and recorded five RBIs as a team. Seth Petersen led the way at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two triples and a double. Cason Loftus finished a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBIs and made a highlight-reel diving catch in the fifth inning to keep Rapid City off the bases.

The Stars didn’t record another hit until the seventh inning, when they strung together four runs following a series of walks from reliever Casen Schilling. Schilling, however, closed out the game to preserve the win and improve the Riders’ early-season record to 2-1.

Game 2 had a different tone.

Gillette opened with two quick runs in the first inning, but the momentum shifted as Rapid City responded with five runs in the second, capitalizing on defensive miscues and timely hits. The Stars added six more runs in the third to extend the lead to 11-2.

The Riders battled back with three runs in the bottom of the third, narrowing the deficit to 11-5. Post 320 added one more in the fourth to make it 12-5. Gillette plated two more runs in the sixth, but the rally came up short.

The Riders used four pitchers in Game 2, a contrast to the two-man effort in the opener.

Gillette will look to bounce back Wednesday at home against Sturgis. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 5 p.m., with Game 2 set to follow at 7:30 p.m.