GARNETT — The AA Iola Indians saw their 8-0 record come to a disappointing end in Tuesday night’s doubleheader in Garnett.
The Garnett Muddogs handed the Indians their first loss of the season with a 2-1 game 1 defeat. Feeling the pressure, the Indians rebounded in game 2 for a 15-6 run-rule victory.
Iola’s biggest positive in game 1 was the pitching performance of Washburn signee Cal Leonard, who kept Garnett’s batters off the base paths. Leonard allowed only one run and earned six strikeouts in his five innings of action. Unfortnately, the Indians offense offered no help.
Brady Wiggin’s three-hit day went unnoticed, and Zach Beckmon was the only other Indian to garner a hit. Wiggin collected an RBI in in the seventh, but the Indians couldn’t find a way to tie the score.
In Game 2, the Indians found their game and opened up with a pair of runs. Garnett answered with four to take the lead and in the second inning added two more.
Nathan Louk’s single brought in two runs, putting the Indians down 6-4.
Zach Beckmon received the start on the mound to pitch the first two innings. The lefty picked up four strikeouts, but allowed six runs in his brief appearance.
The Indians tied the game in the fourth, and then awoke in the fifth inning to bring nine runs across home plate. Casen Barker, Jackson Aikins, Wiggin, and Louk each contributed RBIs in the inning as the Indian offense ran rampant for the 16-6 victory.
Iola will have the rest of the week off, and will be keen on improving their consistency at the plate when they return to the diamond next week.
