GARNETT — The Iola American Legion Post 15 Junior Indians exited Garnett winless with a 9-5 loss in the opener and a 5-0 loss in the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Post 48 Muddogs.
Leading for a majority of the opener, the Indians collapsed in the later innings and their woes did not improve in the nightcap after the Muddogs held them to three hits.
Iola pitcher Cade Curry got the start and tallied seven strikeouts over three innings before exiting after the third. His departure may have been premature, as Garnett went on a 7-1 run from three hits and six walks.
Despite breaking down late, the Indians seemed in control for a majority of the contest. A two-RBI double by Iola first baseman Austin Campbell put the Indians up 2-1 after the opening frame. In the fourth inning, Iola outfielder Ty Thomas gave Post 15 a 3-2 lead with an RBI double.
As the defense fell short, registering six errors, the Indians’ bats remained consistent.
In the fifth inning, Iola second baseman Braylon Keithly’s grounder forced an infield error, plating Moran outfielder Kooper Welch. Welch added another run after getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, but that was not enough to overcome the late deficit.
Welch, Keithly, Thomas and Campbell tied for the team lead in RBIs with one each. Moran shortstop Lane Lord, Iola outfielder Jaxen Mueller, Thomas and Campbell tied for the team lead in hits with one each.
Despite improved play from the defense, it was the Indians’ bats that fell short in the nightcap.
With only three hits from Lord, Curry and Thomas, and drawing only three walks, the Indians’ bats seemed the cause of their woes in the finale.
Colony starting pitcher Andrew Donovan took the loss. He posted four strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings, allowing three hits, a walk, and five runs with two coming in the opening frame and three in the fourth inning.
With the loss, the Indians’ record drops to 4-11-1.
Their schedule does not show another contest until the July 9 Kansas Senators Kansas American Legion Class C 17U State Tournament at Pittsburg State University. First pitch is at 5:30 p.m.
