RAPID CITY - Rapid City Central advanced to the Region 3A title game Tuesday night

by edging Sturgis, 5-4, at McKeague Field.

The Cobblers had beaten Sturgis by the 10-run rule twice this season, and seemed poised to roll to an easy victory when they jumped out to a 4-0 first inning lead. However, the Cobblers only managed three hits the rest of the game and stranded five runners in scoring position which allowed Sturgis to chip away at the Cobbler lead.

Central's big first inning started when Trevor Mills beat out an infield single by diving head first into first base. Josh Holsworth then singled, and Nick Tadlock followed with a booming triple to center field scoring two runs. Bobby Meyers also tripled and scored when Brandon Kiewel singled him home.

Sturgis cut the lead to 4-2 in the second when Trevor Potts poked a single through the infield and Kasidy Huffman doubled him home with a drive down the left-field line. The Scoopers then manufactured a run by stealing third, and scoring on a ground ball.

The normally solid Cobbler defense struggled by committing three errors on the night, and the pitchers walked five batters, allowing Strugis to further cut the lead - down to one - late in the game.

"It was a tough game tonight," Cobbler head coach Jerry Crawford said. "I thought they were pressing a little bit, and that had a lot to do with us pushing them. They play best when they're loose, we need to get back to that."

Central did manage to add one more run when Nick Tadlock - who led the Cobblers going

2-for-3 with two RBI's - doubled and then scored after two Scooper errors. The run proved to be the difference in the game.

"It was enjoyable to see our competitive side come out tonight, and it was a fun game to coach," Sturgis head coach Nic Ewing said. "Central's a great team. Looking at the field in the state, I think when they play well they have to be one of the favorites to win state."

Sturgis battled back scoring a run a piece in both the fifth and the sixth, but the proven strength of Central's team saved them as they received quality relief performances, from Brad Winkelman and Mitch Jaeger, who shut down the Scoopers by thwarting two late inning threats.

"Our pitching kept us in the game tonight, we left five guys in scoring position, committed three errors, and walked five too, and that puts a lot of pressure on your defense. But when you have guys that can come in and just shut down a team late in the game, it really helps." Crawford said.

In order to receive a guaranteed birth to the state tournament, Central will have to beat No. 3-seeded Mitchell, who defeated Rapid City West on Monday. The Cobblers are going to have to play better than they have recently if they are going to challenge for the state title.

Central (15-5) takes on Mitchell at McKeague field on Saturday at 3 p.m.