VALLEY CITY, N.D. — The Valley City Post 60 Royals enter the postseason on a high note after completing a perfect 4-0 weekend, sweeping doubleheaders against the Williston Oilers on Friday and the Watford City Walleye on Saturday.
The Royals opened the weekend with a 14-4 victory over the Oilers, breaking open a tie game with five runs in the fifth inning before adding five more in the sixth. Bryson Heck drove in three runs from the No. 9 spot in the lineup, while James Schwehr and Jack Samuelson each collected three hits. Leighton Hendrickson and Adam Shanenko added multi-hit performances as Valley City finished with 13 hits. Schwehr earned the win after allowing four runs, two earned, over six innings.
Valley City completed Friday’s sweep with a 7-6 victory in the nightcap, overcoming a furious late rally by the Oilers. The Royals built a 7-1 lead behind a two-run home run from Corbyn Powell and a two-hit, two-RBI performance from Trevor Fetsch before Williston scored five times in the seventh to make things interesting. Bryson Heck earned the win after striking out five over six innings, while Andrew Sykora and Powell combined to secure the final three outs.
The Royals continued their offensive surge Saturday, defeating Watford City 18-9 in the opener. Jack Samuelson led the way with four hits and five RBIs, including a three-run double during a seven-run sixth inning. Valley City erased a 7-5 deficit by scoring six runs in the fifth before pulling away with seven more in the sixth. The Royals finished with 15 hits, while Andrew Sykora, Parker Roelfsema and James Schwehr each added multiple-hit performances.
Valley City capped the unbeaten weekend with a 16-3 victory in the finale. Samuelson again sparked the offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run, double and four RBIs. Roelfsema also collected three hits, while Powell, Roelfsema, Samuelson and Bryson Heck each drove in two runs. Cole Bullinger earned the win on the mound as the Royals totaled 13 hits, stole six bases and played error-free defense.
Over the four-game stretch, Valley City outscored its opponents 55-22 while showcasing the balanced lineup and depth that has fueled its strong season heading into tournament play.
The Royals now turn their attention to the postseason, which begins with the regional tournament on Thursday, July 23.
Fans can follow every pitch of Valley City Post 60’s postseason run on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC, which will provide live coverage throughout the regional tournament and the Royals’ playoff journey.
