BONDUEL — The Bonduel Varsity Bears overcame an early deficit to edge the Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds 3-1 Thursday. Despite being out-hit 7-5, the Bears’ timely hitting and aggressive baserunning proved decisive in the midweek matchup. 

Iola-Scandinavia struck first in the third inning when Gruba singled to bring home a run, giving the Thunderbirds a 1-0 lead. Ben Gruba finished the day with a team-high three hits, keeping the Thunderbirds competitive throughout the contest. 

Bonduel responded in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run rally to seize control. Singles by Aiden Hillsberg and Sawyer fueled the comeback, highlighting the Bears’ opportunistic approach. Sawyer, batting ninth, drove in two runs and stole three bases, fueling the team’s offensive momentum. Bonduel totaled five stolen bases in the game, capitalizing on their speed to put pressure on the Thunderbirds’ defense. 

The pitching battle was strong on both sides. Bonduel’s Beckett Hartlaben earned the win, allowing six hits and one unearned run over five innings. He struck out six and walked two, keeping the Thunderbirds’ hitters off balance. Mason Kriesel took the loss for Iola-Scandinavia, surrendering three runs on five hits across four innings while striking out five and walking five. 

Defensively, the Thunderbirds were flawless, committing no errors. Broghan Gullixon led the team with eight chances in the field, making every play cleanly. The Bears also performed well in the field, though the game was shaped more by their baserunning and timely hits than defensive heroics. 

Iola-Scandinavia’s seven-hit performance was not enough to overcome Bonduel’s balanced attack. Hartlaben, Hillsberg, Jackson R, Carter B, and Sawyer each had one hit for the Bears, demonstrating a lineup capable of manufacturing runs in clutch moments. 

The Thunderbirds’ inability to capitalize after their early lead highlighted the challenge of converting hits into runs. Despite Gruba’s standout day at the plate, the team could not break through Bonduel’s pitching after the third inning. 

The Bears improved their record with the win, thanks in large part to aggressive base stealing, situational hitting, and strong pitching from Hartlaben.

Conference Standings

Bonduel Bears 7-1 10-2

Amherst Falcons 6-2 7-3

W-B Chargers 4-1 8-2

W-F Warhawks 3-2 4-3

Shiocton Chiefs 3-3 4-4

I-S Thunderbirds 2-4 6-4

Men. Nation Eagles 0-5 1-5

Manawa Wolves 0-7 0-8