The Iola Mustangs parlayed their opening game shortcomings into a victory in the finale against the Osawatomie Trojans Tuesday.
After opening the day with a 3-2 loss, the Mustangs pummeled the Trojans 15-3 in Game 2 following a breakout performance by freshman pitcher Kinzley Fountain, who tallied three strikeouts over five innings for the win.
“She did a great job tonight. She located well and used her defense,” Iola coach Chris Weide said. “When pitchers throw strikes, our defense is good enough to back them up. I’m a firm believer that the more arms you have throwing strikes, the more it benefits the whole team.”
In the opener, freshman pitcher Haidyn Desmarteau tallied a trio of strikeouts during her complete-game performance. She allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks.
Junior outfielder Brooklyn Holloway put Iola on the scoreboard in the fourth inning and freshman third baseman Kailyn Rodriguez drove in both of Iola’s earned runs with a fly ball to center field, but it was not enough to overcome their three-run deficit.
“In game one, we just didn’t come out to play,” Coach Weide said. “We were on our heels defensively, and that set the tone for the whole game.”
Rodriguez stayed hot in the nightcap, adding three RBIs while hitting in 2 of 3 at-bats.
After freshman first baseman Breighlynn Rutherford plated Iola’s first runner after her hit forced an infield error, Rodriguez then drove in two runs with an RBI double.
The Mustangs continued pouring on the runs from there until leading 11-1 by the end of the opening frame.
“We talk about hitting being contagious. If one girl does it, they all can,” Weide said. “Kaelyn is hitting great. She’s one of the better hitters on the team right now and we hope she keeps rolling.”
Although Iola’s most productive hitter, Rodriguez was second to sophomore third baseman Wacker in total hits in the final game. Wacker was successful in 3 of 4 at-bats with an RBI. Lefty sophomore outfielder Shaylee Karns posted a trio of RBIs and was successful in 2 of 3 at-bats.
With the win the Mustangs evened their record to 6-6 overall and 5-3 in the Pioneer League.
They step away from the Pioneer League Thursday for a rescheduled game against the Humboldt Lady Cubs, who are on a six-game win streak. The squads split last year’s contest.
“They’re not in our league, or in our regional because they’re 2A now, but it’s a fun rivalry,” Weide said. “Coach Brad Piley runs a great program. They have some good ballplayers and the girls know each other. It will be exciting.”
First pitch is at 4 p.m. for the opener and 6 p.m. for the nightcap.
