Valley City dropped its matchup with LaMoure/Litchville-Marion/Edgeley, as a big fourth inning proved decisive in a 14-5 loss.

The Hi-Liners fell behind 1-0 in the first inning, but starting pitcher Luke Praska settled in. He retired the side in order in both the second and third innings.

LaMoure/LME matched that effort, as Colby Theilges kept Valley City off the board through four scoreless innings.

The game turned in the fourth. Theilges led off with a single, and a walk put two runners on. Mason Warcken followed with an RBI single, and the Loboes continued to build momentum. Valley City was unable to record an out as LaMoure/LME batted around and scored eight runs in the inning to take a 9-0 lead.

The Hi-Liners responded with a late push, scoring three runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth to cut the deficit to 9-5.

LaMoure/LME answered in the bottom of the sixth. Brady Hanson delivered a two-out, two-run double, and the Loboes added two more runs on a throwing error and a dropped third strike to extend the lead to 14-5.

The Loboes closed out the game with a scoreless seventh inning to secure the win.

Valley City will face Kidder County in its next game Thursday.