Arrows Split Season Opener in Sioux Falls; Pitkin Explodes for Four Extra-Base Hits
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Arrow baseball team kicked off its 2026 campaign with a high-octane Saturday in Sioux Falls, showcasing a potent offense in a split doubleheader. The Arrows dominated Shanley (ND) 12-5 in the opener before falling 12-11 to Sioux Falls Lincoln in a late-inning heartbreaker.
Game 1: Big Fourth Inning Propels Arrows Past Shanley
Watertown’s bats came alive early in the season, overcoming a slow start to dismantle the Deacons. Trailing 3-2 entering the fourth inning, the Arrows exploded for six runs on six hits, effectively seizing control of the contest.
Jaxon Falak was the catalyst for the offense, turning in a 3-for-5 performance with singles in three consecutive innings. Marcus Pitkin and Cole Hansen each added two hits, while the team combined for a disciplined approach that forced Shanley’s Jenner Peasland out after just two innings of work.
On the mound, Kooper Heiser earned the season’s first win. Heiser navigated four walks to allow only two runs on two hits over 57 pitches. Hunter Halajian and Kasen Jensen provided four combined innings of solid relief to shut the door.
Game 2: Lincoln Rallies to Edge Arrows in Slugfest
The nightcap featured enough offense for an entire weekend, but a late-inning surge by the Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots spoiled Watertown’s bid for a sweep.
The Arrows appeared to be in the driver’s seat with a commanding 9-3 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth. However, the Patriots found their spark, plating four runs in the fifth and another five in the sixth to pull ahead.
Despite the loss, Marcus Pitkin put together a legendary individual performance. Pitkin went 4-for-5 with a triple and three doubles, accounting for nearly half of Watertown’s extra-base production. Jonathan Lake, Carter Buisker, and Lincoln Schutt each drove in two runs to keep the Arrows within striking distance until the final out.
Tripp Jorgenson took the loss in relief, while Lincoln’s Jacksyn Raak proved to be the difference-maker for the Patriots, driving in four runs despite his team being outhit by Watertown 11-8.
Statistical Leaders
Player | Hits (Total) | Key Stats |
Marcus Pitkin | 6 | 3 Doubles, 1 Triple, 2 RBIs |
Jaxon Falak | 4 | 3-for-5 in Game 1 |
Jonathan Lake | 2 | 2 RBIs in Game 2 |
Carter Buisker | 2 | 2 RBIs in Game 2 |
Up Next: Home Opener
The Arrows (1-1) will look to carry their hot bats into their home opener this week.
· Opponent: Tea Area (Doubleheader)
· Date: Friday, April 17
· Location: Watertown Stadium
· Time: 5:00 PM
· Broadcast: Post 17 TV
