The Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds used two massive innings to pull away from the Pittsville Panthers, posting a 14-4 victory Friday at Taylor Field & Park.
Pittsville took an early lead, scoring twice in the first inning when Grant Rademan doubled. The Panthers added a run in the fourth on a flyout by Vollert for a 3-2 advantage. But Iola-Scandinavia answered with an unrelenting offensive surge, scoring five runs in the bottom of the fourth and seven more in the sixth to blow the game open.
The Thunderbirds tied the score at 2-all in the third after capitalizing on a Panthers error. In the fourth, they flipped the lead for good with five runs on three hits. Broghan Gullixon delivered the key blow, a two-run single on the sixth pitch of the at-bat.
Iola-Scandinavia then erupted for seven runs on six hits in the sixth. Mason Morfey doubled to drive in three runs, Mason Kriesel drew a walk that scored one, Chase Timdal singled home two, and Wyatt Wolberg singled in another. The Thunderbirds finished with 12 hits and seven walks while swiping nine bases.
Carson Desrochers earned the win for Iola-Scandinavia, allowing six hits and four runs — three earned — over six innings. He struck out six and walked one. Pittsville used two pitchers. Starter Luther worked three and two-thirds innings, giving up five hits and six runs, none earned, with six strikeouts and two walks. Roberts took the loss, surrendering eight runs — seven earned — on seven hits in two innings. He struck out one and walked five.
Wolberg and Timdal paced the Thunderbirds’ attack, each collecting three hits. Wolberg finished 3-for-5 with three runs batted in. Kriesel added two hits in three at-bats. The Thunderbirds showed strong plate discipline with seven walks, as Desrochers, Kriesel and Jameson Heshcke each drew two. Kriesel and Heshcke also stole multiple bases apiece in the nine-steal effort.
Grant Rademan provided the main offense for Pittsville, finishing 1-for-2 with two runs batted in. Ostermann led the Panthers with two hits in four at-bats. Pittsville turned one double play in the contest.
The Panthers managed just six hits total and could not slow the Thunderbirds once the middle innings arrived. Iola-Scandinavia’s ability to string together hits, draw walks, and run the bases created constant pressure, turning a close game into a rout.
The Thunderbirds improved to dominate the matchup on both sides of the ball, particularly after the third inning. Their pitching limited damage after the early runs, while the lineup produced in key situations with timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.
Iola-Scandinavia will next face Amherst on Monday, May 4.
