A big second inning propelled the Mustang offense to a 16-13 win against Independence on Monday night.
“We’ll take 16 runs anytime,” coach Mark Percy said. “We made some mistakes that we shouldn’t of made and I think we threw six different pitchers, which we planned on throwing a lot, but a lot of them didn’t throw very well. So, we’re going to have to prepare a little there.”
After keeping the Bulldogs off the board in the top of the first, Iola scored two runs. Trent Latta and Derrick Weir both hit singles, after which they came into score on errors.
The Bulldogs scored two in the second, while Iola scored six. Weir had another single and eventually came around to score again. Brett Taylor also had a single in the inning. The Mustangs drew four walks in the inning. The walks and errors helped the Mustangs to an 8-2 lead.
In the top of the third, Independence bounced back with three more runs scoring on errors and drawing walks. Now, 8-5, Iola managed to score one run in the frame. Ethan Scheibmeir walked and came around to score on an error to take a 9-5 advantage.
Independence scored three more runs in the fourth. The Bulldogs had a two-run homer in the inning and then an RBI double. Iola answered back with one run. Garret Wade singled and came around to score on another error. Iola now lead 10-8.
The Mustangs kept the Bulldogs scoreless in the fifth, and then Weir hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the frame to lead 12-8. Independence didn’t score in the sixth, Iola scored four more runs. Ben Cooper hit a single as did Scheibmeir. Both moved into scoring position after fielder’s choice plays and came around to score on balks. Iola took a 16-8 lead into the top of the seventh.
The Bulldogs hit singles and doubles to shrink the Iola lead to 16-13. Independence had the tying run up to bat with runners at first and third, but a strikeout sealed the game.
“We had to take guys out a lot sooner than we wanted. It didn’t go to plan, but we’ll take it anytime,” Percy said. “I’m proud of them for battling and getting the job done because defensively and pitching-wise we didn’t play very well.”
Iola plays at 4:30 p.m. today in a doubleheader at Central Heights.
