KESHENA — The Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds erupted for nine runs in the first three innings and cruised to a 13-3 victory over Menominee Indian on Monday, May 18, at Menominee Indian High School.

Iola-Scandinavia jumped on Menominee Indian starter Caleb Grignom immediately. Ben Gruba singled to score one run in the top of the first, and Jose Gutierrez grounded out to drive in two more. The Thunderbirds kept pouring it on in the second. A wild pitch plated one run, Broghan Gullixon singled home another, and Wyatt Wolberg singled to score two, extending the lead to 7-0. A single by Chase Timdal in the third pushed the Iola-Scandinavia advantage to 9-1.

The Thunderbirds tacked on four more runs later to reach the final margin.

Carson Desrochers earned the win for Iola-Scandinavia. He worked four innings, allowing two hits and two runs (one earned). Desrochers struck out four and walked five. Gutierrez pitched in relief. Grignom took the loss, surrendering four runs on two hits in one inning without recording a strikeout while walking two.

The Thunderbirds collected nine hits and drew seven walks while running wild on the basepaths. They stole 18 bases in the game, with Gutierrez, Mason Kriesel, Wolberg, Mason Morfey, Timdal, and Jameson Heshcke each swiping multiple bags. Timdal and Heshcke led the club with two walks apiece. Iola-Scandinavia also turned one double play.

Wolberg led the way at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Gutierrez and Wolberg each drove in a pair of runs to anchor the offense.

Menominee Indian showed patience at the plate with eight walks but managed only four hits. Grignom, CJ Pyawasay, August Nahwahquan, and Player 7 each had one hit. Pyawasay, Corn, and Player 7 drove in one run each. Allen Peters and Pyawasay drew two walks apiece to lead the hosts.

The victory showcased Iola-Scandinavia’s blend of timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and ability to capitalize on opportunities. The Thunderbirds turned small mistakes by Menominee Indian into big innings, particularly in the early going when they built an insurmountable lead.

The win sets up a quick turnaround for Iola-Scandinavia, which faces Pacelli on Tuesday, May 19.