The Blackwell Flycatchers put a bit more distance between themselves and the Iola Hormigas in the wild card playoff chase with Thursday’s 22-9 victory.
A six-run second inning, and a smattering of scores in their ensuing at-bats propelled Blackwell to pick up the win and assume first place for two wild card spots while the Hormigas remain four games out of second place behind the North Platte 80s.
Despite tallying 10 strikeouts over five innings, starter Zach Meyer took the loss after allowing eight walks and five runs on four hits. He received a bit of run support before exiting in the fifth inning but by that time Iola already trailed 13-5.
Outfielder Zachary Trangmar had a team-leading four RBIs and a pair of home runs, followed by catcher Nicholas Chavez and recently acquired third baseman Jorge Carreo, who had two each.
Carreo homered Thursday and also tied outfielder Ramses Velasquez and Chavez for the team lead in hits with two each.
With the loss, the Hormigas fall to 7-16.
Despite sitting in last place in the Mountain North standings, the Iola team can still make the postseason.
Iola can make up ground in the wild card race with wins at Blackwell Friday and Saturday.
They host the Garden City Wind (22-3), who sits in first place in the Mountain North standings, Sunday at Satchell Paige Stadium, then Alumni Field at Allen Community College Monday and Tuesday. First pitch for Tuesday’s game is 6 p.m.
