VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Zach Ziegler had three hits to lead Grand Forks Central and pitched five strong innings as the Knights downed Valley City 10-2 in the season opening baseball game for both teams. The Knights took the second game 2-1 in three innings. The game was shortened due to rain.

Ziegler scored a run and helped his own cause with an rbi single in the five run fourth. Mason Lima also had three hits, two were bunt singles. San Strandell had two hits and drove in two runs. Ty Lorenz had a two run double in the second inning. And Cole Barta added a two run single in the fourth.

On the hill Ziegler allowed three hits and two earned runs in five innings. He walked two and struck out five.

Alex Thornton drove in both the Hi-Liner runs with a two run single in the bottom of the fifth with two out. Kai Kringlie and Adam Bitz had the other hits for Valley City.

In game two, the Knights scored two unearned runs in the first and held on for a 2-1 win. The game was called after the third inning due to rain and wet grounds.

The Hi-Liners got their run in the bottom of the first on a single to left by Alex Thornton that scored Gavin Gerhardt who walked and went to second on a wild pitch.

Valley City had a chance in the bottom of the third. After Gerhardt and Adam Bitz walked to start the inning. Alex Thornton and Braxton Jorissen  struck out. Joe Cummings walked to load the bases but reliever Cole Barta struck out Robert Fischer to end the threat and the game.

Valley City travels to Devils Lake on Tuesday for a matchup with the Firebirds.