The Pierre Governors made a strong statement in their first playoff action of the summer with a 3-1 victory over the Mitchell Kernels in game one of their best of three series Friday night.
Coming into these playoffs, almost no one had put together a stronger month and a half than the Govs who rattled off a double-digit win streak after starting the season 2-4. One of the ingredients during that streak was the Governors ability to get wins in several facets. If the game required a lot of offense, Pierre would provide. And as we saw Friday, if they needed strong pitching, they could get that as well.
Carter Schiefelbein provided the games first hit and run in the third inning to put Pierre out in front 1-0. As the pitching battle continued on the mound, the Kernels would knot it back up in the fifth inning as they were finally able to find success against Pierre starting pitcher Carter Templeton. That success would be short-lived, however, as the Govs and Schiefelbein would strike back with an RBI to put the Govs back in front. Templeton helped himself out at the plate too driving in Schiefelbein to pad his lead before going back out.
Templeton was lights out. A complete game, surrendering just one run on four hits while sitting down six Mitchell hitters. This sparkling performance from Templeton puts Pierre on the doorstep of the state tournament.
Pierre and Mitchell will play a decisive game two Saturday afternoon at 12:00 PM CT. A win for the Govs will punch their ticket to state, and a win for the Kernels will force a winner-take-all game three shortly after. Stay tuned to the local sports page at DRGnews.com for scores and recaps.
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