Lake’s Five RBIs Lead Watertown to Opening Win Before Lynx Rally in Game 2
- Steve Jurrens
- May 2
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A dominant opening performance from Jonathan Lake lifted Watertown to a 12–5 victory in Saturday’s first game against Brandon Valley, but the Lynx answered with an explosive 18–8 win in the nightcap to split the doubleheader at Watertown Stadium.
The afternoon also featured a special moment for the local baseball community as the 2026 Watertown Baseball Hall of Fame class was honored between games. Inductees Grant Osthus and Jason Adams threw out ceremonial first pitches. Fellow inductee Tanner Neale was unable to attend and will be recognized later with a banner raising.
Game 1: Watertown 12, Brandon Valley 5
Lake wasted no time setting the tone, blasting a three‑run home run in the first inning and finishing the opener 3-for-4 with five RBIs. Watertown’s offense kept rolling behind Markus Pitkin, who drove in three runs on two hits, and Cole Hanson, who added two more hits.
On the mound, Hunter Halajian delivered a strong outing, striking out eight over six innings while allowing four runs on 10 hits.
Brandon Valley’s Caleb Severin went 3-for-4, and Bryce Plucker added two hits and three RBIs. Brayden Knutson took the loss after giving up six runs on four hits.
“It started with Hunter Halajian; he was phenomenal,” said Watertown coach Ryan Neale. “He kept Brandon off‑balance by being able to throw three pitches. The offense was able to manufacture runs and we played really, really good in game one.”
Game 2: Brandon Valley 18, Watertown 8 (6 innings)
The Lynx flipped the script in the nightcap, erupting for 14 hits and capitalizing on Watertown miscues to force a six‑inning finish.
Knutson rebounded at the plate, going 3-for-3, while Jack Blomgren and Maxwell Peters each drove in three runs. Severin, Bryton Stroh, Blomgren, and Peters all recorded multi-hit games. Mason Veld earned the win, striking out six and allowing three runs on two hits.
Pitkin stayed hot for Watertown, turning in a 4-for-4 performance with an RBI. Kooper Heiser took the loss after allowing 10 runs in 3 2/3 innings. Kasen Jenson worked 2 1/3 innings in relief.
“We walked too many guys, we left too many guys on, and we left plays out in the field,” Neale said. “One step forward, two steps back type mentality… but we have an opportunity to rebound and go back at it again tomorrow.”
Up Next
Watertown returns to action Sunday, hosting Yankton for a noon doubleheader. Both games will stream live on Post 17 TV.
