Watertown Arrows Split Doubleheader With Brookings as Jackson McClemans Powers Game 2 Win

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - On a night dedicated to honoring its senior class, the Watertown Arrows bounced back from a tough opener to earn a doubleheader split against Brookings Tuesday at Watertown Stadium.

After falling 10–3 in game one, the Arrows responded with a decisive 12–7 victory in the nightcap, powered by a standout pitching performance from Jackson McClemans.

Between games, Watertown recognized its nine seniors, and Tanner Neale — who was unable to attend May’s Hall of Fame ceremony — delivered the ceremonial first pitch before game two.

Game 1: Brookings 10, Watertown 3

Brookings starter Nolan Krogman kept Watertown’s offense in check, holding the Arrows to two hits over 6 1/3 innings while striking out seven. The Bandits collected 14 hits, led by Tre Christopherson, who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Four other Brookings players recorded multi-hit games.

Watertown’s offense came from Cole Hansen, Carter Buisker, and Markus Pitkin, with Pitkin driving in two runs.

Hunter Halajian took the loss, allowing eight runs on nine hits over four innings. Kasen Jensen worked three innings in relief.

“It was unfortunately just a lot of misplays for us in game one,” said Arrows coach Ryan Neale. “Our bunt defense coverage was exposed, and we just didn’t play well defensively.”

Game 2: Watertown 12, Brookings 7

Watertown flipped the momentum immediately in the nightcap, forcing Brookings to use four pitchers and capitalizing on walks throughout the game.

The Arrows knocked out starter Noah Lease after scoring five runs in the first inning. Brookings briefly stabilized behind Baker Hanson, but Watertown broke the game open again in the fifth, tagging Nolan Wagner for five runs.

Carter Buisker led the offense, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Jaxon Falak added two hits and two RBIs.

On the mound, McClemans delivered one of his best outings of the season — seven strikeouts, seven hits allowed, and three runs over 6 1/3 innings on 105 pitches.

“Clem was just phenomenal,” Neale said. “He’s having a heck of a year on the mound.”

Brookings rallied late with four runs in the seventh off reliever Sam Olson, but Markus Pitkin entered to record the final out and secure the split.

“It was nice to be able to bounce back,” Neale added. “If you’re going to split, might as well win game two so we can leave the stadium on a good note.”

Up Next

Watertown (34–22, 18–14) closes out the regular season tonight with a doubleheader against Spearfish at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Both games will stream live on Post 17 TV on YouTube.