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The Belleville Raiders Home Talent baseball team traveled to Centennial Field on Sunday, August 1st, to take on the Dodgeville Knights. The Raiders won 9-2 over the Knights to clinch as the Western Section Champions, as well as home-field advantage during the playoffs.

Justin Langley pitched for eight innings, striking out 19. Brandon Moldrem came into the game to pitch the ninth, retiring all three batters while striking out one.

After a tie game through the fourth inning, Derek Baumgartner singled and recorded an RBI to put Belleville up 1-0. Brock Gilkes added 2 more with a single in the fifth. Going into the ninth inning the game was 3-2. Brock Gilkes recorded two more RBIs to extend the lead to 5-2. Derek Baumgartner added one in the ninth and Justin Langley added three, with a 3-run double. Leading hitters were Derek Baumgartner 2-5 with 2 RBIs, Brock Gilkes was 2-5 with 4 RBIs, Curtis Sheahan went 3-5 and Justin Langley was 1-4 with 3 RBIs.

The Raiders will be playing again on August 8th, for the first round in playoffs hosting Wiota. Game time is at 1:00 p.m., at the Belleville High School. Players from youth baseball will be announced before the game and will be having their concession stand open. Come on out to cheer on your Raiders.