CLINTONVILLE — The Clintonville Truckers Varsity broke open a tight game with a six-run fifth inning and rolled to a 10-4 victory over the Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds on Tuesday, May 12, at Don Jirschele Stadium.
Clintonville (scoring details provided) used a balanced attack that featured 12 hits and timely extra-base knocks to pull away. The Truckers took a 2-0 lead in the first, surrendered the advantage in the third, regained it in the fourth, and then delivered the decisive blow in the fifth.
Reece Killips grounded out, and Rogan Schertz doubled to left field to produce Clintonville’s first two runs in the bottom of the first. The Thunderbirds tied it in the top of the third on a walk to Wyatt Wolberg and a hit by pitch.
The Truckers went back in front in the fourth. Killips singled down the right-field line and Zach Johnson singled to center field, each driving in a run for a 4-2 lead.
Clintonville then erupted for six runs on six hits in the fifth. A double by the No. 12 hitter plated two runs, Johnson doubled to drive in three, and Parker Soldner singled home another. The outburst turned a two-run game into a rout.
Landon Loose earned the win in relief for Clintonville. He worked three and two-thirds innings, allowing two hits and one unearned run. He struck out two and walked one. Zach Johnson started and went two and one-third innings, giving up one hit and two runs while striking out four and walking five.
Ben Gruba took the loss for Iola-Scandinavia. The starter lasted four and two-thirds innings, surrendering 10 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits. He struck out four and walked three.
Johnson paced the Truckers’ offense, going 2-for-4 with four runs batted in. Killips, Carter Longsine, Johnson and Soldner each collected two hits. Clintonville’s leadoff hitter finished 2-for-4.For the Thunderbirds, Wolberg drove in two runs to provide the middle-of-the-order punch. Broghan Gullixon led the team with two hits in three at-bats. Iola-Scandinavia drew six walks but could not generate enough consistent offense against Clintonville’s pitching staff.
The Truckers outhit the Thunderbirds 12-5, capitalizing on extra-base opportunities and small-ball situations throughout the middle innings. The fifth-inning surge, featuring multiple doubles and well-placed singles, proved the difference in a contest that remained competitive into the fourth.
Iola-Scandinavia will play at home on Thursday against Wittenberg-Birnamwood Varsity.
