RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Billings Royals split a pair of pool play games on the opening day of the Black Hill Classic in Rapid City, S.D.
The Royals defeated the Northern Colorado Roughnecks, 5-3, in their first game of the day. Jayden Kay was 2-for-2 with two runs, an RBI, and a walk, while Dawson Smith and Cade Torgerson each drove in two runs. Tucker Smith was strong on the mound – six innings, two unearned runs, and five strikeouts for the win.
Rapid City Post 22 then defeated the Royals in Game 2, 9-5. Jack Sorenson was 4-for-4 and scores three runs, while Jace Caldwell, Alex Weaver, and Ryan Schmidt each drove in two runs for the Hardhats.
Michael Morehead was 3-for-3 with two RBI for the Royals. Brooks Zimmer struggled on the mound, giving up seven runs in 4.1 innings.
The Royals play two more games Saturday.
