Chiefs are Double Trouble for the Royals

The Mandan Chiefs have kept their momentum going into the end of the season, winning eight consecutive games to even out their win-to-loss ratio. A double header match against the Grand Forks Post 6 Royals on July 22 contributed to this, as the Chiefs claimed the win in both games.

Throughout the first game, the Chiefs refused to let the Royals advance to home plate. At the top of the 1st, the Royals started off with a few quick outs and earned one error. The Chiefs took bat at the bottom of the 1st and made one run home, bringing the score to 1-0. A hit to the infield quickly got runners out at first and second, wrapping up the 1st inning.

The Chiefs’ defense stayed strong at the top of the 2nd. Chiefs’ infielder Ty Weiler pitched again this inning. Weiler made consistent pitches that struck out a batter for the Royals. Royals #13 walked to first, but was caught stealing second, which left one away for the Chiefs. A hit from Royals #5 was grounded out to Weiler, who took the third out. 

The Chiefs went back on the offense at the bottom of the 2nd. Three back to back outs meant the Royals were on offense going into the top of the 3rd. This is where the Chiefs’ defense pushed back, getting a few quick outs to return to offense at the bottom of the 3rd. The Chiefs did not score any runs in the third, though their offense picked up as they landed more runners on base.

The 4th inning saw the Chiefs rally on defense and offense. After three quick outs for the Royals, the Chiefs made strategic plays to land their players on base. To start, Chiefs’ Peyton Koppy led off with a walk to first base. Next, Chiefs’ infielder Gage Miller hit an RBI double, allowing Koppy to score and Miller to round out to second base. While on second, Miller stole third. Next, Chiefs’ Jensen Schulz hit a fly ball into the outfield, who caught it. Meanwhile, Miller stole home, bringing the score to 3-0 for the Chiefs and strengthening their lead. The bottom of the 4th wrapped up after another out for the Chiefs. The Chiefs carried the intensity of this inning into the 5th.

Although the Royals looked to come back after a rough go in the 4th, they did not land any runners at home. The Chiefs did not see any change in scoring at the bottom of the 5th, as the Royals defense held strong with three quick outs for the Chiefs.

The top of the 6th saw a change in pitcher. Chiefs’ Gage Miller took his spot at the pitcher’s mound, replacing Weiler for the inning. Miller threw strong strikes that seemed to catch the Royals off-guard. Most of the Royals’ batters struck out swinging, without any change in the score.

The bottom of the 6th saw the Chiefs earn another run home, with an RBI from Chiefs’ Marcus Bird Horse. Bird Horse’s single RBI brought the score to 4-0. After a fly out to outfield and a pop fly infield, the Chiefs were out for the 6th.

The 7th inning left the Royals with one last chance for redemption. Miller did not allow the Royals any chances, as with fast pitching and quick strikes, the Royals struck out in a matter of minutes, wrapping up the game. The final score was 4-0 for the Chiefs. The Chiefs earned 10 hits and earned no errors, while the Royals got 2 hits in and earned one error for the Royals.

After their victory, Chiefs Infielder and Pitcher Gage Miller reflected on the season so far.

“It's been pretty good, but our team's been struggling with wins and losses this year. Trying to play some good baseball towards the end of the year is our main goal.”

The second game saw the Chiefs take home another win, with a score of 4-1. Both of these games show the improvements the Chiefs have made since earlier in the season. Whether it be the pitching or smarter play-making, the Chiefs have seen a lot of changes in their own playing, which has allowed them to take home multiple wins at the end of their season.