Chiefs top Stevensville behind early scoring surge

The Ronan Chiefs used a steady offensive attack and a strong outing from starting pitcher Hunter Luedtke to take down Stevensville 11-6 on Friday afternoon, improving to 4-3 on the season.

Ronan wasted little time getting on the board, scoring three runs in the second, third and fourth innings to build a comfortable cushion. The Chiefs added two in the fifth to stay ahead despite a late push from Stevensville.

Ben Mitchell led the Chiefs offensively, going 2-for-2 with a pair of RBIs. Liam Jackson added an RBI triple in the third inning and finished 1-for-3, while Hunter Luedtke helped his own cause with a two-run single. Bayland Hess and Trey Samson also chipped in with RBIs as the Chiefs capitalized on five Stevensville errors.

On the mound, Luedtke delivered four solid innings, allowing three runs on three hits while striking out four. He kept Stevensville off balance through the early innings, setting the tone for Ronan’s control of the game. Bayland Hess came in for the fifth to close things out, giving up three earned runs on one hit and two walks while collecting a strikeout.

Defensively, the Chiefs were solid, committing just two errors and backing up their pitchers with reliable glove work in key moments. The win marked Ronan’s fifth win in a row.

At Stevensville

RONAN 11, STEVENSVILLE 6

Ronan - 03332 - 11 - 6 - 2

Stevi - 00123 - 6 - 4 - 5

RONAN HITTING: Hunter Luedtke 1-4, Treysin Sinclair 0-1, Liam Jackson 1-3, Everett Lozeau 0-2, Damien Hess 1-3, Denzel Baltz 0-3, Ben Mitchell 2-2, Trey Samson 0-1, Kingston Elk Shoulder 0-1, Bayland Hess 1-2; RBI: Luedtke 2, Jackson, D Baltz, Mitchell 2, Sams, B Hess; 3B: Jackson

RONAN PITCHING: Hunter Luedtke (4IP, 3H, 3R, 3ER, 3BB, 4SO), Bayland Hess (1IP, 1H, 3R, 3ER, 2BB, 1SO)