Some rough innings proved to be the Powell Pioneers’ undoing last week, as the Legion baseball team dropped a pair of doubleheaders against Cody and Lovell.

“We’ve had a couple of really nightmare innings over the past couple of weeks, but those experiences will benefit us in the long run,” said manager George Laughlin. “These young men have fought through long innings a few times this year and know how to refocus and keep their heads in the ballgame.”

Cody doubleheader

In Wednesday’s first game against Cody, the Pioneers lost 22-1 in five innings.

Cody built an 8-0 lead in the first two innings, then erupted for 14 runs in the third. Many of the runs were unearned.

“After the long third inning against Cody, we were able to stop them from scoring in both the fourth and fifth innings,” said Laughlin. “That shows you the boys didn’t just roll over, even though the scoreboard didn’t look like we wanted it to. “

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Tyler Feller hit a bases loaded single to bring Jaxson Carter home. Feller finished the game 2-for-3 with the one RBI.

Colin Queen went 1-for-2 with a walk.

In game two, Powell proved more competitive, falling 6-1 to the visiting Cubs.

Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Pioneers put men on first and third. Cameron Wentz then singled to bring Reece Hackenberg home and pull Powell within a run.

However, Cody scored three runs in the fifth and another in the sixth to win 6-1.

Feller went 1-for-3 and Queen added two more hits of his own.

Cameron Schmidt and Wentz each contributed a single during the game, with Wentz getting the RBI.

Feller started the game on the mound and pitched two innings, allowing one run on three hits.

Queen came in for three innings, holding Cody to four runs, two earned, on four hits with a strikeout.

Carter came in to close the game, giving up one run on two hits and adding one strikeout.

Lovell doubleheader

Powell dropped the opener 14-0 in five innings, again suffering some unearned runs.

Queen, Wentz and Jesse Brown each got a hit for the Pioneers in the loss.

Feller started on the mound and went 3 1/3 innings, allowing five runs, four earned.

Powell took a 1-0 lead early in game two. However, when the Pioneers failed to get a runner in after loading the  bases-loaded with no outs, “that really changed the momentum in Lovell’s favor,” Laughlin said.

Lovell pushed its lead to 4-1 with a couple runs in the fourth inning and added three more in the seventh for a 7-1 win.

Queen had another multi-hit game, going 2-for-3 with a walk. Feller, Luke Washington, Hackenberg, Nate Brown, Wentz and Schmidt each added hits for the Pioneers.

“The second game versus Lovell, we out-hit them 8-4. We are getting opportunities and just need to capitalize on them,” said Laughlin.

Queen pitched five innings, allowing four runs — none earned — on two hits. Queen struck out five while walking one.

Carter came on in relief, throwing two innings and allowing three runs, two earned, on two hits.

“Physical errors hurt us this week, but that is a result of the boys wanting to make a play. They are in the right spots and are in position to make plays,” said Laughlin.

Next up for the Pioneers is a doubleheader at home tonight (Tuesday) against Riverton at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

“Our lineup is pretty well determined now and I think the players are beginning to feel more comfortable in the field, knowing who they are playing next to and where their teammates will be in a given situation,” Laughlin said.