AMHERST, Wis. — Amherst Varsity Falcons used a three-run sixth inning to pull away and defeat the Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds 5-3 on Tuesday at Amherst High School.

The Falcons broke a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the sixth, capitalizing on timely hitting to secure the win. Michael Glodowski delivered the decisive blow with a single that drove in two runs, and Wyatt Beaudoin followed with a sacrifice fly to add an insurance run.

Iola-Scandinavia struck first in the opening inning, taking advantage of a passed ball to plate the game’s first run. Amherst responded quickly in the bottom half, drawing two walks that helped produce a pair of runs and a 2-1 lead.

The Thunderbirds evened the score in the third inning when a wild pitch allowed a run to cross, tying the game at two. Both teams showed patience at the plate early, but pitching kept the contest tight through the middle innings.

Iola-Scandinavia regained the lead in the fifth. RJ Opperman came through with a single that brought in a run, putting the Thunderbirds ahead 3-2. The advantage was short-lived, however, as Amherst answered in the sixth with its most productive inning of the game.

Glodowski, who set the tone at the top of the lineup, finished 2-for-3 and led the Falcons offensively. Amherst also showed discipline at the plate, drawing eight walks, with Sully Perkins accounting for two of them.

On the mound, Jackson Lutz earned the win for Amherst. The right-hander allowed one hit and no runs over one inning, striking out one and walking one. Starter Glodowski worked six innings, giving up four hits and three runs — two earned — while striking out eight and walking one.

Chase Timdal took the loss for Iola-Scandinavia after allowing three runs on three hits in one inning of relief. He struck out none and walked three.

Thunderbirds starter Mason Kriesel turned in a solid performance despite the no-decision. He pitched five innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out seven and walking five.

Kriesel also contributed at the plate, leading Iola-Scandinavia with two hits in three at-bats from the No. 7 spot in the lineup. Opperman drove in a run and finished 1-for-2. The Thunderbirds were aggressive on the bases, stealing five bases, with Opperman and Wyatt Wolberg each recording multiple steals.

Defensively, Iola-Scandinavia played a clean game, committing no errors. Broghan Gullixon handled a team-high 10 chances in the field.

Amherst’s late surge ultimately proved the difference in a game that featured multiple lead changes and steady pitching performances from both sides.

Iola-Scandinavia next traveled to face the Manawa Wolves on Saturday, April 25.