ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Billings Royals split a pair of games Saturday at the Gopher Classic, bringing their tournament record to 2-1.
The Royals opened the day with an 8-0 win in five innings over Elkhorn, Nebraska. Jaeden Jordahl was 2-for-2 with a walk and three runs scored, while Chase Hinckley was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run. Cole Miller and Nick Eliason combined on a four-hit shutout, with Miller throwing 4.1 innings and Eliason recording the final two outs.
Dann Blanchard continued the Royals’ good pitching in the night cap, but he didn’t get enough help in a 2-1 loss to Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Blanchard threw six innings, giving up just two unearned runs on two hits while striking out six. Eden Prairie starter Brandt Thompson was better, throwing seven innings of one run ball while striking out 10.
Eliason was the Royals’ lone bright spot at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI.