ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (12-9) fell just short of victory Thursday afternoon after a 2-4 loss against Connell. Despite taking a loss, the Knights prepare to get back on track Saturday for the next round of districts. 

“We started out a little slow; we had close plays and just didn’t get the ball to bounce our way,” said Knights Head Coach Tony Jenks. 

Connell was the first on the board in the top of the first as they earned a single run and the Knights were unable to respond in the bottom of the inning. Both teams went scoreless for the next three innings, until Connell put up an additional three runs in the fifth inning. 

Royal got on the board in the sixth inning when Tyce Christensen singled on a line drive to score Bryan Larsen, then was followed by a single from Karson Thompson to score Christensen.  

The Knights had newfound momentum going into the seventh inning as they quickly took Connell off the field and got ready to bat. Unfortunately, the Connell defense was ready to respond, and Royal fell 2-4. 

Ernie Weeks pitched all seven innings for the Knights where he gave up four runs, five hits and three walks while striking out seven.  

Christensen, Thompson, Bronson Scroggins, Bryan Larsen and Weeks each collected one hit for Royal Thursday afternoon. 

“We just never really got the ball to bounce our way,” said Jenks. “We’d get a few hits here and there and we just couldn’t seal the deal on any runs early on in the game.” 

Despite taking a loss, the coach said Royal played a great defensive game where they minimized their errors. The Knights also played strong while being down a key player in the lineup. 

Going forward, Jenks said he wants the players to get their games started with better energy. The focus for Royal as they get ready for the next round of districts is going to be working on their batting and getting after different kinds of pitching and hitting. 

“We’re capable of competing with anybody,” he said. “The league top eight is pretty competitive, so we’ve been in most of the games like this and you’ve just got to find a way plate a few more runs.” 

The Knights remain at home Saturday to face College Place in the second round of districts at 1 p.m. 

BOX SCORE 

CNNL: 1-0-0-0-3-0-0: 4 

ROYL: 0-0-0-0-0-2-0: 2 

    Royal’s Isreal Ramirez throws the ball toward first base to get an out against Connell Thursday afternoon.
  

    Knights player Bryan Larsen steps up to bat during the district game against Connell.
  

    Bronson Scroggins from Royal prepares to throw the ball back to the mound Thursday.
  

    Tyce Christensen from the Knights steps up to the plate Thursday against Connell.
  

    Brit Wardenaar from Royal gets ready to swing at a pitch during Thursday’s district game.