Win or lose, the Iola Hormigas have just one game left in their inaugural season in the Pecos League following Monday’s 13-2 loss to the Garden City Wind.
Garden City (43-7) proved why they’re the best team in the Mountain North Division after putting Iola in a seven-run deficit before the third inning and dropping the Hormigas to 13-33. The North Platte 80s mathematically eliminated the Iola Hormigas from the playoff race last week.
The Hormigas could not get their bats going Monday night as four Garden City pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts. Second baseman Collin Sepulveda registered Iola’s only RBI of the evening with the Hormigas scoring in the third and fourth innings, far from enough to mount a comeback.
Sepulveda tied outfielder Xander Nabors, first baseman Devin Radar and pitcher Jacob Strobel in hits with one each. Strobel took the loss with three strikeouts over four innings but allowed 11 runs on 10 hits. Reliever Javion Rodricks allowed a pair of runs on three hits over three innings and reliever Tommy Carr allowed one run in the ninth inning.
As the Iola Hormigas wrap up their first season, Pecos League officials seem hopeful for a return in 2026. As a minor league affiliate for the Mexican League Bravos De Leon, the Hormigas initially planned to operate entirely in Kansas City, Mo.
In an article posted on the Pecos League’s website, league officials described the beginning of the season in Kansas City, Mo. as a time of uncertainty. When plans for housing players and stadium revitalization fell through, Iola became an ideal alternative. By the time the season concluded, Iola was the Hormigas’ home, including sponsorship from local businesses.
According to the article, the KC Iola Hormigas’ first season began with uncertainty, but it ended with a statement, one that promises a bright future for Pecos League baseball in Iola.
