INAUGURAL GAME — The new Custer American Legion team played its first game of the season June 20 in Spearfish, playing a double header. The team lost both of the games it played, but did mark the return of American Legion baseball to Custer after a long absence. From left, back, are manager Mick Patzlaff, Bobby Bertolotto, Noah Zacher, Alex Kortemeyer, Reed Ashmore, Isaac Landa; front, Brennan Hanes, Blake Kainz, Jacob Mack and AJ Kortemeyer. [Submitted Photo]
On June 20, history was made in Spearfish. For the first time in many years, a Custer Post 46 team played American Legion Baseball.
Custer dropped a doubleheader to Spearfish, but showed improvement, manager Mick Patzlaff said. The nine players who took the field for Custer were Bobby Bertolotto, Noah Zacher, Reed Ashmore, Isaac Landa, Blake Kainz, Brennan Hanes, Jacob Mack, and Alex and AJ Kortemeyer.
After getting shut out in the first game, Custer scored two runs in the nightcap. Bertolotto led off the game by getting hit by a pitch and advanced to third on Zacher’s single. Bertolotto later scored on an errant pickoff throw to give Custer an early lead.
Hanes accounted for the second run after he singled and stole second and third bases. Hanes scored on Alex Kortemeyer’s line drive double
Zacher finished the night with a pair of singles. Bertolotto reached safely after by getting hit by a pitch. Landa drew a walk. Most of the guys in the lineup had good at bats and were able to put the ball in play, Patzlaff said.
Patzlaff said Hanes and Bertolotto did a nice job of throwing strikes in game two. Ashmore came on in relief of Zacher in game one and pitched effectively.
Custer saw some nice defensive plays, Patzlaff said, highlighted by several scoops of low throws to first base by Kortemeyer and Hanes. He said Bertolotto also played a very solid centerfield.
“I am extremely proud of these young men,” said Patzlaff. “They went out and competed well in that second game. Our guys represented the Custer area with class. It was great to see nine players with Custer uniforms take the field.”
(Photo, caption, and story used with permission of Custer County Chronicle)
