Palace City’s 14‑and‑under baseball squad entered the Class A state tournament in Pierre with a rough start, dropping an 11‑0 decision early on. Rather than folding, the team regrouped and turned the tide, stringing together two decisive victories that propelled them into bracket play.
A comeback in Pierre
The first turnaround came against Rapid City Post 320, where Palace City erupted for a 10‑6 win. An eight‑error defensive stretch allowed the locals to score the first eight runs, a momentum swing that set the tone. Keniel Padilla and Deyton Puetz each contributed two hits and two RBIs, while Preston Maeschen delivered a complete‑game effort, surrendering nine hits and six runs.
A second victory over Watertown cemented the comeback, 7‑1, with Padilla again shining on the mound. The right‑hander tossed a complete‑game four‑hitter, limiting the opposition to a single run. Meade Schlimgen led the offense with three hits and two runs scored, underscoring the team’s balanced attack.
Next challenges
Now the focus shifts to the next round, where Palace City is slated to meet Tea at 10:30 a.m. at Hyde Stadium. A win would set up a showdown against top‑seeded Harrisburg at 1 p.m., with the championship game scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The stakes are high, and the squad’s recent performances have raised expectations among fans and coaches alike.