Wahpeton Post 20 wrapped up its regular season Thursday with a pair of one-run home wins over the West Fargo Vets on senior night.
Post 20 won both games in walk-off fashion. Skyler Bladow had a game-winning single in a 2-1 victory to start the night. Nick Langenwalter laid down a walk-off squeeze bunt for a 3-2 win in the nightcap.
Braxton “Bubba” Pauly moved to 4-1 on the mound with a six-inning gem in the opener. Pauly scattered five hits and recorded six strikeouts without issuing a walk. The righty lowered his ERA to a sparkling 1.36.
Bladow locked up the relief win in addition to his walk-off single. The righty is now 3-2 overall and 5-for-5 in save opportunities with a 3.66 ERA on the season.
Bladow started game two and worked around eight hits to complete five innings. He allowed two earned runs while striking out five and walking one in a no-decision.
Carter Hockert earned the win in relief after pitching a pair of scoreless and hitless innings. The righty improved to 4-0 on the summer. Hockert has found ways to keep Post 20 in the ballgame, despite pitching to a 5.66 ERA.
Langenwalter was 2-for-4 at the plate in game two and Jackson Fliflet batted 2-for-2.
In a key moment following a solo homer by the Vets in the first inning, a textbook relay from left fielder Josiah Breuer to third baseman Aiden Hajek allowed Post to cut down a runner at home, ending the inning and preventing the Vets from building a bigger lead. The fundamental cutoff throw turned things around for a Wahpeton defense that committed four errors in the early game.
Post 20 celebrated a decorated group of seniors and super seniors — Caden Kappes, Jackson Fliflet, Jayden King, Braxton Pauly, Cooper Klosterman, Avery Malme, Nick Langenwalter, Josiah Breuer and Skyler Bladow. Each player spent time collecting dirt from the playing surface following their final American Legion Baseball game at John Randall Field*.
Wahpeton takes its 23-6 record into next week’s East Region Tournament at Jack Williams Stadium in Fargo. Post 20 will be the No. 2 seed. Scheduling and broadcasting information will be announced soon.
*Some players retain eligibility for the 2025 season