Dickinson High soars over Patriots in 34-run doubleheader sweep

DICKINSON — After a chilly, 2-hour and 50-minute, marathon closing-half of the Tuesday, April 23 doubleheader, the Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots (4-6) in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10.

After putting up a 10-spot in the first inning after 15 batters headed to the plate, Dickinson’s scoring went cold and Bismarck Century began chipping away, scoring a run in response during the second frame, 4 more in the third and 3 over the fourth and fifth innings to close the gap and score 8 unanswered runs and give the Midgets a slim, 10-8 lead. It didn't last long, with the Midgets scoring 9 runs in the final two innings to outlast the Patriots for the sweep.

Senior shortstop Jace Kovash got the scoring started right-away after singling and advancing to third on an error, then ended up across home-plate after a wild pitch ... after that, it got even wilder. Senior first-baseman Kaden Krieg scored on an error and then Will Easum drove home junior third-baseman Jack Price before junior second-baseman Camden Kubas singled home Tyler Danbom and Easum on the next at-bat for a 5-0 lead. The hits just-kept-coming for DHS as Kovash came back to the plate for a second time and sent sent Nick Sobolik across the plate on a single and centerfielder Kyler Kudrna then drove in Kubas on a shot to left field. Dickinson continued to build their lead on a Krieg single that plated Kovash and Price brought Kudrna across the dish with a single that was followed by Krieg stealing home on a pickoff attempt that made the score a seemingly insurmountable 10-0, particularly after the Midgets had run-ruled the Patriots in the opener.

1/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

2/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

3/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

4/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

5/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

6/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

7/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

8/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

9/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

10/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

11/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

12/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

13/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

14/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

15/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

16/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

17/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

18/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

19/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

20/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

21/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

22/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

23/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

24/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

25/25: The Dickinson High School Midgets improved their record to 6-4 on the 2024 season with a 34-run output over the Bismarck Century Patriots in a crucial Western Dakota Association matchup at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on April 23, 2024. DHS earned a run-rule, 15-1 win in the opener and outlasted the Patriots in the nightcap, 19-10. Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

But as Century kept chipping away, DHS bided their time and sent four pitchers to the mound to stanch the bleeding. The staff combined for 4 strikeouts, but gave up 9 walks in the game and 8 earned-runs, total, before Kudrna came on in the ninth to secure the win with a pair of Ks.

In the meantime, Dickinson High scored 9 runs in the final two frames, with Kovash singling to lead off in the fifth and advancing to second on an error and pinch-runner Conrad Kopari scored soon after on a Price single to center, then Price scored on a single from senior left-fielder Jeremiah Jilek before Danbom singled Jilek home on a grounder to center field. Kubas walked home pinch-runner Easton Hugelen to close out the scoring for DHS in the frame and maintain a 14-8 lead.

While Bismarck Century was able to post a pair of runs in the top of the sixth, the Midgets went off for 5 more in the bottom-half of the inning on a leadoff-walk to Krieg that led to Krieg advancing to second on a wild pitch, then scoring on a Jilek single and Price scoring on an error. Jilek scored on another wild pitch and junior backstop Malachai Medina drove pinch-runner Kevin Olsson across home-plate with a single to center field for an 18-10 lead, before Kubas closed out the scoring as Kopari scored for Medina on a single from Kubas.

In what was a run-rule-shortened game to start the Tuesday series, senior righthander Jilek pitched a gem of an opener, throwing a complete-game 2-hitter that featured only a pair of walks and no earned-runs. Bismarck Century scored their lone run in the first inning and the Midgets backed-up Jilek with a 6-run opening frame.

Kovash notched a leadoff single and Kudrna did the same, sending Kovash to third, but Krieg put an end to all doubts with a moon-shot to center field to give DHS a 3-0 lead and they never looked back. Senior designated-hitter Colin Tschetter tripled home Price and Sobolik and Medina soon singled Tschetter home on a line-drive to left.

Kudrna walked and was tripled home by Krieg in the second inning, and then the Midgets kept piling on with a 6-run third inning that featured a bunt-RBI-single from junior left-fielder Christian Tibor that plated Tschetter — who had singled and stolen second — then Easum scored on a balk. Kudrna soon singled home Tibor on a drive to right field, and then Krieg scored Kovash on another single to right. It wasn’t over yet for the Patriots, as Price scored Kudrna on a sac-fly and Krieg scored on a pickoff-attempt error to close out the scoring for the inning and give Dickinson a 13-0 lead.

Gaylon Wm. Parker / The Dickinson Press

The final runs came in the bottom of the fourth as Easum tripled to center field and then came home on a Tibor line-drive to left, with Tibor ending up at third on a throwing-error on the play. Kovash drove Tibor home on a groundout to end the misery at 15-1.

For the series, Krieg went 4-for-6 with 5 runs and 7 RBI to go along with the triple and the dinger for 9 total bases, while Price was 3-of-6 with 4 runs and 3 RBI and added 3 stolen-bases. Kovash had a 4-for-9 night that almost saw a walk-off grand-slam in the nightcap, but he also piled up 4 runs and 2 RBI to go along with an appearance in middle-relief. Jilek, meanwhile, was 3-for-6 with a pair of runs and 2 RBI.

Next-up for DHS will be a Friday, April 26, non-conference doubleheader versus Williston that begins at 4:30 p.m. at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark.

For more information about Midget baseball, please keep reading The Dickinson Press and/or visit their website at https://www.dickinson.k12.nd.us/schools/dhs/athletics/index . For more information about baseball in North Dakota, you find it at https://ndhsaanow.com/tournaments/baseball .