Pitching and defense was the name of the game in the Valley City Royals’ game-one win over the Casselton Haymakers as Ethan Miller twirled a complete game, only allowing one run and striking out five to take a 3-1 win.

Both teams struggled to get anything going, as Miller and Casselton’s Brayden Mitchell went all seven innings, controlling both lineups with their sliders. The first run of the game came in the top of the third when Corbyn Powell hustled out a drop third strike that forced a throw that allowed Ethan Miller to come around and score from third base to give Valley City an early 1-0 lead.

After recording a pair of hits in the first the Haymakers, Miller would record three perfect innings of work as Valley City clung to a 1-0 lead going into the fifth. A walk and a HBP would set the table for Valley City with no outs in the fifth. However, a pair of strikeouts looked like it might be enough to stifle any Valley City Rally before Corbyn Powell came through with the game’s biggest hit, lacing a two-out single that drove in a pair of runs and gave the Royals a 3-0 lead.

Going into the bottom of the seventh, it looked like Miller was again set to breeze past the Casselton bats after recording two quick outs. But back-to-back singles coupled with a couple of infield singles gave Casselton their first run of the game as the winning run stood a third base. The late rally would finally be snuffed out after a ground ball to third gave Valley City the 3-1 win.

The second game would go far less smoothly for Valley City. After the first two innings, they trailed 8-2 as the Haymakers struck for eight two-out runs.

Highlights for Valley City in the game included home runs by Corbyn Powel and Jack Samuelson, the latter of which was a three-run shot that pulled Valley City within a pair in the sixth. Valley City Pitcher Carver Pederson managed to make his way to the sixth inning, but once again, the Haymakers would jump all over him, forcing him out of the game.

Casselton would tack on five runs in the sixth that stapled them to a 13-6 advantage going into the last frame. There would be no late rally for the Royals, who went 1-2-3 to end the ballgame.

The next game for Valley City will be Thursday on the road against Wahpeton at 5:30 pm. That game can be heard on 1490 AM/ 96.3 FM KOVC.