If there's one thing the Marysburg Royals have proven they can do consistently, it's to play close games.
The Royals played four games over the past week and a single run decided all but the first game, an 8-0 win over the Saskatoon Dodgers in Saskatoon on May 29. Brent Puetz stood out with three hits while Craig McWillie had five strong innings of work from the mound.
The next night the Royals were once again in Saskatoon to take on the Outlaws, dropping a 7-6 decision in no small part due to a horrendous sixth inning that featured three errors leading directly to four runs for the Outlaws.
On Sunday the Royals returned home to Marysburg for a doubleheader set against the Saskatoon Stallions.
The teams have been at the top of the Saskatoon Senior Baseball League for the past couple of seasons and have a history of close, competitive games. This past weekend was no different, with the Stallions winning the opener 11-10 and the Royals taking the second, 5-4.
"With the Stallions we always play close games," said Curtis Strueby of the Royals. "We've been the best two teams in the league for the past few years, so it always seems to work out that way."
The first game with the Stallions was a long affair, as both teams' offences were humming. The Royals finished with ten hits, including two apiece from Curtis Strueby, Luke Strueby and Braden Bauml, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory.
The second game saw Dean Jaeb throw six and one third innings in the win, with Colin Bauml earning the save. Brent Puetz had a monster day on the offensive side of the ball with two home runs and a double.
"Brent has been a big bat in our lineup for the past few years, and he's just been getting better and better," Strueby said.
The busy schedule this past week is a result of the delayed start to the season, which was pushed back nearly two weeks due to the late arriving spring. The late start means a late finish in August or September, which could cause some scheduling problems for the Royals.
"We'll just have to cross that bridge if we get there," Strueby said.
After so many games last week, the Royals will have a few days off before they resume their season on June 9. The game will be held in Marysburg at 1 p.m. and will pit the Royals against the Saskatoon Dodgers.
