The Iola American Legion Post 15 Indians 17U will have a rockier road to the championship than anticipated after falling to the Post 48 Garnett Muddogs 16-1.
After splitting their regular season doubleheader in June, the Muddogs took the rubber match 16-1 and advance to face Doniphan in the state semifinals while Post 15 must down three teams in the loser’s bracket to reach the championship game.
After Iola demolished Pittsburg in the opening game of the American Legion state tournament in Topeka, the Muddogs humbled the Indians with 10-unanswered runs in the first three frames, then added six more runs in the fourth inning to secure a 16-1 mercy-rule victory.
The Indians scored their only run when starting pitcher Thomas Allee’s hard chopper forced an infield error and plating catcher Kale Pratt in the process. Third baseman Easton Weseloh registered Post 15’s only hit of the day. Allee took the loss after allowing seven runs on five hits and two walks. Iola’s relievers showed only a modest improvement from Allee as Ruger Boren posted Iola’s only strikeout while allowing five runs on one hit and two walks. Reliever Landon Shelton came on in the ninth inning allowing four runs on one hit and two walks.
