Broncos Outslug Ellsworth to Remain Undefeated

Game 1: Russell-Victoria 12, Ellsworth 4
Game 2: Russell-Victoria 11, Ellsworth 4

The Russell-Victoria Broncos Baseball team made the 42-mile journey to Ellsworth on Tuesday for a doubleheader with the Bearcats, their one-time league rivals dating back to Russell's time in the North Central Activities Association.

The Broncos overcame a sluggish start in the opener before rallying for a 12-4 victory and then powered their way to an 11-4 win in the nightcap while extending their season-opening winning streak to eight games.

In Game 1, Russell-Victoria trailed 1-0 and was held to two hits heading into the top of the fifth inning before tying the game on a Max Evans double which barely missed being a home run that scored Sam Thielen.  Evans then stole third and came home with the go-ahead run on a Wes Dreiling RBI single.

The Broncos then built the lead to 12-1 before Ellsworth tallied three runs in their last at bat to trim the final margin to 12-4.

Trey Zorn picked up the win and notched 11 strikeouts.

In Game 2, Ellsworth once again took an early lead before Russell-Victoria pulled ahead in a seesaw affair. Leading 6-4 heading into the top of the seventh, the Broncos plated five runs to back up Thielen who earned the win on the mound. Evans, despite hitting one batter and walking another in the last of the seventh, struck out the side to end the game and complete the sweep.

Russell-Victoria (8-0) will be back in action with their third of seven consecutive road doubleheaders on Friday, April 10 at Chapman.  First pitch for game 1 will be at 4 p.m.