In a way, Cal Leonards two-run blast provided the AA Iola Indians with a walk off win against Russell Wednesday night. Just not in the way you might expect.
The Indians started the Senior American Legion State Tournament with a 10-0 run-rule victory in Hays, giving Iola the start it needed in their quest to repeat as state champions.
We came out and took care of business like we were supposed to, Indians head coach Jason Bauer said.
Bauer described the Indians mindset laser-focussed from the get-go. In the bottom of the first, the Indians did not waste any time getting runs on the board. Lead-off man Jackson Aikens reached first with a walk, and Isaac Vink singled to put runners on first and second for Derek Bycroft. Bycroft singled to score Aikens, but the missed attempt dive from the Russell outfielder allowed Vink to come home and Bycroft to move to third. With Kane Rogers up next, a wild pitch provided Bycroft the chance to score, handing Iola an early 3-0 lead.
The Indians increased their lead in the second. Nine-hole hitter Blake Ashmore started the inning reaching on a walk, Aikens singled to left field, and a walk for Vink loaded the bases. Bycroft picked up his second RBI of the game to score Ashmore, and Rogers followed with a walk to bump the Iola lead to five after two innings.
Bycroft started on the mound for Iola. It was another day at the office for the 4A back-to-back pitcher of the year. Bycroft allowed no runs across to go along with six strikeouts, while only throwing 45 pitches.
He threw strikes and competed, Bauer said. I dont think he had his best stuff, but he got us through four innings. It helps us save some pitching. If we get the chance to run rule, we will save our pitchers arms.
In the third, Conor Havilands infield single, Ethan Tavarezs walk, and Ashmores base hit to centerfield loaded the bases once more for Iola. Aikens followed by taking a pitch in the helmet to force Haviland home, and another wild pitch allowed Tavarez to score. The Indians made it 8-0 after Vinks RBI brought home Ashmore to cap the Iola scoring in the third.
Rogers started the fourth with a single, and Leonards long ball over the fence sealed the deal for the Indians with a 10-0 run-rule win after four.
Iolas strong tournament start repeats last years performance with a run-rule win.
I think our defense can play with anybody in the tournament, along with our pitching as well, Bauer said. Our success will depend if our bats show up or not.
Although Iola cruised to an easy victory, it could have put the game to bed earlier. But beggars cant be choosers, and the big win was a step in the right direction to repeating as state champions.
Leonard likely will be handed the game ball for Game 2 of pool play against Norton, who lost their opening game of the tournament to Sabetha 0-15. First pitch for Iolas game against Norton will be after the conclusion of Emporia versus Hays at 6:30 p.m. Follow @Iolasports on twitter for any live updates of the Indians all tournament long.
