The Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds erased a four-run deficit and walked off with an 8-7 victory over the Pacelli Cardinals on Tuesday at Taylor Field.
The game remained tied at 7-7 entering the bottom of the seventh. Chase Timdal singled down the right-field line, Wyatt Wolberg walked, and Jose Gutierrez singled down the right-field line. An error then allowed the winning run to score as the Thunderbirds rallied for four runs in the inning to secure the dramatic victory.
Iola-Scandinavia trailed 4-0 after three innings but mounted a persistent comeback. The Thunderbirds showed patience at the plate all game, drawing eight walks.
Pacelli jumped ahead in the first inning when Jaden Garski doubled to score two runs. The Cardinals extended their lead in the third as Tysen Holmes doubled down the left-field line and Garski delivered a sacrifice fly, each driving in one run for a 4-0 advantage.
Holmes provided another boost with a solo home run to left field on an 0-2 count in the top of the seventh, helping the Cardinals reach seven runs. Pacelli collected 11 hits overall, with Eric Reincke going 3-for-4 to pace the offense. Garski finished with three runs batted in despite going 1-for-3. Holmes, Sully Schober, and Bryce Flaker each had multiple hits. The Cardinals also stole four bases, including two by Reincke.
Wolberg paced the Thunderbirds’ offense with two runs batted in. The first baseman went 1-for-2. Gutierrez, Broghan Gullixon, Wolberg, Ben Gruba, and Timdal each recorded one hit for Iola-Scandinavia.
On the mound, Chase Timdal earned the win for the Thunderbirds, allowing two hits and two runs (one earned) over two innings with one strikeout and one walk. Ben Gruba started and worked five innings, surrendering nine hits and five runs (four earned) with three strikeouts and one walk.
Nate Haemmerle started for Pacelli and lasted four and two-thirds innings, giving up two hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out five and walking five. Sully Schober took the loss, allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits over one and two-thirds innings with one strikeout and three walks.
The Thunderbirds improved their record with the come-from-behind win, capitalizing on timely hitting and Pacelli’s late defensive miscue. The Cardinals’ strong hitting and base running kept them in position until the final frame.
Iola-Scandinavia returns home Thursday, May 21, to face the Manawa Wolves.
