OTTAWA — Iola’s AA American Legion team is no longer undefeated, splitting a doubleheader with Ottawa Wednesday night. The first game featured plenty of offense for Ottawa, while Game 2 saw the Indian offense roll to a win.
The Indians mustered only four hits in game one. Hunter Murrow, Drew Faulhaber and Jacob Carpenter all had singles. Caleb Vanatta had a double.
Trent Latta started the game and was tabbed with the loss. He pitched three innings, giving up five earned runs, six runs total, while walking three and allowing five hits. He struck out two. Ottawa got to him early, scoring three runs in both the first and second innings. The Indians scored their lone run in the fourth.
Kason Siemens came into pitch, only able to get one out, allowing an additional five runs, which ended the game due to the run limit.
Ottawa won 11-1, handing the Indians their first loss on the season.
Post 15 was able to respond with a big win of its own.
GAME TWO was an 180-degree turnaround for the Indian offense. Post 15 scored 10 runs between the second and sixth innings. Latta led the offense, going 3-for-4 with three singles and three RBIs, scoring one run.
Caleb D’Armond didn’t have a hit, but did have two RBIs. Jacob Carpenter and Faulhaber each had a single and a double, with one RBI and two runs scored. Aaron Barclay had two singles and an RBI, scoring one run. Siemens and Grayson Pearish each had a single, while Derrick Weir had a double.
Pearish started and ended the game, pitching all seven innings to earn the win. The only inning he struggled was the fifth, giving up four runs. He gave up six hits and two walks, striking out two.
While not the most effective game, allowing eight baserunners, he was able to pitch with a lead for the entire game and save the bullpen.
The Indians, 10-1, will play in a Burlington tournament Saturday and Sunday.
