TOPEKA — Iola’s AA American Legion baseball team didn’t let an early setback spoil its weekend.
After dropping a 2-1 decision to Ottawa’s AAA Legion squad, the Indians rebounded nicely, winning three straight games to bring home a tournament championship Sunday at Topeka’s Bettis Sports Complex.
Iola did so the hard way, knocking off previously unbeaten Hays, 8-3, Sunday morning to earn the championship game berth.
The Indians then prevailed, 8-5, over Rumble KC, an all-star team featuring a number of college-level players from the Kansas City area. Prior to the championship game, Rumble KC had allowed only a single run through the tournament.
“Our pitchers did a fantastic job,” said head coach John Taylor. “Our pitchers won this tournament for us.”
Indeed, hurlers Zach Beckmon, Aiden Jones, Nathan Louk, Bradyn Cole and Eli Smith all took turns shutting down opposing offenses.
Sunday
Iola 8, Rumble KC 5
In the championship game, Beckmon took the hill against one of the toughest offensive teams Iola will see this season, Taylor said.
He gave up nine hits over five innings, but kept the Rumble KC largely in check.
“He gave up some runs, but you’re gonna do that against a team like that,” Taylor said.
Aiden Jones then slammed the door with two scoreless innings of relief.
Meanwhile, Iola broke open a 5-5 tie with three runs in the sixth.
Drake DeLaTorre singled to lead off the frame. TJ Taylor followed with a bunt that Rumble KC misplayed for an error, sending DeLaTorre home for a 4-3 lead.
A walk to Smith followed, then a wild pitch brought Taylor home from second. An error on the Rumble KC catcher then allowed Smith to score the final run.
Rumble KC threatened one final time, with back-to-back singles with one out in the seventh. But Jones induced a double play to end the game.
