COLBY — After Iola’s 11-5 comeback victory over Wellington on Thursday night, coach Roland Weir left the ballpark feeling unsatisfied for two reasons.
First, the Indians’ expectations are to capture a state title and they know they have a long road ahead of them after dropping to the losers’ bracket following the opening round.
Second, Weir has become accustomed to a certain level of play during his tenure as Post 15’s head coach and therefore left disappointed after Thursday night’s performance. Despite earning the win, he didn’t necessarily see an overall satisfactory outing from his offense.
It didn’t take long for the Indians to cure Weir’s dismay.
Iola advanced closer to its ultimate goal of a state title by knocking out Doniphan County 9-1 Friday afternoon, and this time Weir finally saw his team fulfill its potential.
“What a turnaround,” Weir said. “Kason (Siemens) threw a hell of a game, everybody hit the ball up and down the order, there was execution throughout … You can’t ask for better.”
After having to overcome a late 5-2 deficit Thursday night, Iola went on the offensive early Friday against Doniphan County with an RBI single by Derrick Weir.
Although the Indians racked up 11 runs in their victory against Wellington, Derrick struggled at the plate as evidenced by his 0-for-2 performance, which included just his second strikeout of the season.
So when given a chance at redemption Friday, Derrick took advantage from the get-go. The veteran finished the day 3-for-3 with a team-leading three RBIs, a walk and a run scored.
The rest of Iola’s top hitters also came alive against Doniphan County after their collective slow start in the tournament.
Hunter Murrow, the Indians’ leadoff hitter, paced the lineup by going 2-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a team-leading three runs.
In the past, Weir has said how crucial it was for his older players to set the tone for the rest of the squad on offense, and it showed Friday.
Iola recorded 11 hits against Doniphan County, which was the most for the team since entering the tournament Wednesday. The Indians’ top six hitters all notched at least one hit, and eight of their nine players reached base.
“I think when we play like we’re capable of playing, then they start getting in tune with the game and start having fun,” Weir said. “The last couple days they have been pressing it and it’s been an up-and-down roller coaster for them. But in this game, everything just clicked.”
Iola’s dominance included its pitching performance from Siemens.
The recent high school grad pitched all six innings of the run-rule shortened game and gave up just one run in the first.
After settling down, Siemens was lights out, striking out four while surrendering seven hits and just the lone run.
Weir needed all he could get from Siemens and the rest of his players because his already short-staffed squad was even shorter Friday. Coleson Wiggins, who normally mans third base for the Indians, was unable to play against Doniphan County after falling ill earlier in the morning.
Iola had just nine players (including two freshman) on its active roster during its victory, so Weir stressed how imperative it was to keep everyone healthy and out of trouble with the umpires.
When one of the umpires made a controversial call on a Derrick Weir steal attempt at second, both Roland Weir and assistant coach Jarred Latta had to ensure that that Derrick made it back to the dugout with getting tossed.
Last season serves as a stark reminder as to what happens when a team doesn’t have enough players. The Indians were forced to forfeit a tie game in the zone tournament after losing one of its nine players midgame. On that ugly note, Iola’s season came to an end.
“Let’s just hope it doesn’t happen again,” Weir said.
The Indians were scheduled to play again Friday night at 7:30. A win would guarantee another day of play Saturday, but a loss would send them packing their bags for Iola.
After snatching two victories in the losers’ bracket, Iola has gained some much needed momentum following its upset loss in the first round.
“I just hope we can keep it going,” Weir said. “What a turnaround.”
Indians slug their way to victory
