Double-Header, Double-Win for the Chiefs

The Mandan Chiefs played the Williston Keybirds in a double header on July 17. The first game started at 5 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. The Chiefs have made a strong comeback this season and went into their game against the Keybirds with three consecutive wins under their belt. This winning energy allowed the Chiefs to take both wins from the Keybirds, as the Chiefs won the first game 4-3, and the second game 11-3.

In the first game, both teams earned one run in the 1st inning. Although the Keybirds struck first, the Chiefs answered back to tie the game up. The 2nd and 3rd innings saw no change in score, as both teams managed to get runners on base but not to home plate. A standout here was the Chiefs’ Dylan Gierke, who played a strong defensive game in the outfield. Gierke helped get the Keybirds out by catching two fly balls. 

The 4th inning showed no progress for the Keybirds, but it began to pick up for the Chiefs. After an outfield fumble, Chiefs’ Troy Gerhardt took second after an outfield fumble from the Keybirds. A strategic bunt from Chiefs’ Mason Oster landed Gerhardt at home, breaking the tie. After a few outs, the Chiefs pushed forward into the 5th inning with a score of 2-1.

Although the Chiefs had earned a run, the score tightened up in the 5th. An overthrow from the Chiefs allowed a Keybird runner to take home. Later, an RBI brought in a second run, bringing the score to 3-2.

Despite the Keybirds comeback, the Chiefs weren’t done yet. They had fought hard to get here, and they were going to keep pushing. At the bottom of the 6th, Chiefs’ Eli Kleinknecht walked to first, and Chiefs’ Ryan Bitz hit a strong RBI double to tie the game. Next was Gierke up at bat, who managed to hit and reach the base. An error from the Keybirds allowed Bitz to earn a run home, bringing the score to 4-3. After a few outs, the Chiefs entered the 7th inning, ready to protect their progress.

The Keybirds’ last chance to claim the win was thwarted by the Chiefs at the top of the 7th. After two quick outs, the Chiefs caught a deep fly ball in the outfield to end the game with a score of 4-3.

Other than the score, the Chiefs counted 7 hits and no errors in the first game. The Chiefs took home the second game win, overwhelming the Keybirds with both a strong defense and offense. The Chiefs won with a score of 11-3. Through winning against the Keybirds, the Chiefs have evened out their wins-to-loss ratio for the season and have a consecutive win streak of five games.

Chiefs Coach Jake Kincaid shared how he felt after the first game. He placed a strong emphasis on his team’s defense.

“Defensively, I thought we did some really good things, and our pitchers did a good job throwing strikes offensively. I think we left a little bit on the table, but we did just enough.”

Kincaid went on to describe the difference in his team since the last time they played the Keybirds.

“We're getting better. That's the number one thing. I think since July 1st we've done some really good things and we've had a bit of a different mentality coming to the ballpark every day, and I think it's shown with the results.” 

As the Chiefs have another non-conference game coming up, Kincaid looks forward to the rest of the season.

“We want to keep finding ways to increase our confidence and keep treating the game the right way. It's going to pay us back eventually.”

Although the Chiefs season is almost over, a few more games in the coming week will determine whether the Chiefs can close their win-to-loss ratio and finish their season strong. Still, there is no denying the improvements the Chiefs have made since their first few games.