GIRARD — The Iola Mustangs evened their record to 8-8 after soundly defeating the Girard Trojans 12-3 Thursday.
Aside from a three-run hiccup in the second inning, the Mustangs’ defense was nearly flawless, as was freshman pitcher Haidyn Desmarteau’s pitching.
The Mustangs also benefitted from scoring outbursts in the third, fourth and seventh innings.
Freshman designated hitter Kailyn Rodriguez put Iola on the scoreboard with an RBI grounder in the opening frame. After a scoreless second inning, and a Trojan rally, Desmarteau scored on a wild pitch, then a bases-loaded walk tied the game.
Freshman catcher Kashyn Curry’s RBI single resulted in the final lead change of the evening, then freshman second baseman Jayna Ivy plated the first two of her team-leading three RBIs after her hard chopper found its way to the outfield, giving Iola a 6-3 advantage.
Iola continued adding to its lead in the fourth inning off an RBI single from junior outfielder Brooklyn Holloway, then a two-RBI double from freshman shortstop Kinzley Fountain.
Grounders by sophomore third baseman Addie Wacker, Ivy and a sacrifice fly by Desmarteau added three insurance runs in the seventh inning.
Desmarteau picked up the win, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk.
Fountain was successful in 3 of 4 at-bats and Wacker in 3 of 5. Fountain also had two RBIs.
Iola hosted Emporia Friday, but the final scores were not available by press time.
The Mustangs return to the diamond Tuesday, when they host Pioneer League rival Wellsville for a doubleheader. First pitch for the opener is at 4 p.m. with a 6 p.m. first pitch scheduled for the nightcap.
