Larks Claim Railroad to Roosevelt Rivalry Title, Defeat Big Sticks 5-3

Carver Notches 3 RBIs, Landis Knocks in 2

Bismarck, North Dakota- The Bismarck Larks (13-13, 29-31) won their third straight game against the Badlands Big Sticks (11-15, 29-31) to close out their season series. The Larks are now 2-1 in the Railroad to Roosevelt Rivalry with wins in 2024 and 2026.

Badlands starter Seth Broadwell held the Larks scoreless until the 3rd inning. Keegan Landis and Blade Carver hit back-to-back homers to left field, giving the Larks a 2-0 lead.

Larks starter Luke Walter pitched 5 scoreless innings, giving up 1 hit and walking 4 while striking out 4.

In the top of the 6th inning, Gavin Stewart made his Larks debut, allowing singles to Dylon Myrow and Dakota Howard. With 1 out, Samson Pugh hit an RBI single to right, scoring Myrow. After the play, Howard stole home, but Pugh was thrown out trying to take second. The score was all tied up heading to the bottom of the frame.

Jackson Crider and Will Husemann started the bottom of the 3rd with singles, with Crider advancing to third base. Logan Murphy lined into a double play, with Husemann being picked off at first. Jacob Bennett walked, setting up a Landis RBI single. Carver followed with another RBI single, giving the Larks a 4-2 lead.

Gabriel Jacobs of the Larks entered in the top of the 8th, giving up a leadoff single to Myrow. Howard doubled to left field, scoring Myrow and bringing the Big Sticks to within 1.

In the bottom of the 8th, Bridger Clontz hit Husemann, with Carmelo Rivera coming off the bench as his pinch runner. Bennett walked and Landis grounded into a fielder’s choice, taking Bennett’s place at first. Carver delivered again with an infield single to the shortstop, putting the Larks up 5-3.

Jacobs closed the game in the top of the 9th with 3 straight swinging strikeouts, clinching the Larks victory in the Railroad to Roosevelt Rivalry 7-5.

Gavin Stewart (1-0) earned the victory in his first appearance of the season, tossing 2 innings of relief, allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits while striking out 2. Badlands’ Seth Broadwell (1-2) took the loss, throwing 5.2 innings while surrendering 4 earned runs on 9 hits and 3 walks, striking out 1.

The Big Sticks will head home to challenge the Mankato MoonDogs, starting at 6:35 p.m. on Thursday. The Larks travel to Corbett Field to face Minot in a 2-game series, with game time scheduled for 6:35 p.m.