Defensively, it didn’t start out on a good note here Tuesday for Iola American Legion Post 15’s Indians. An error led to a run for visiting Chanute Post 170.
But in the end, defense got the job done for the Indians.
Surviving a five-run sixth by Chanute by answering with two runs in its half of the inning, Iola led 8-7. It was a win-or-stay-home game for the two teams in KABA League tournament play.
Mark Bristol, who was the third pitcher used by Iola, found himself in a bit of jam in the seventh. Bases were loaded with Chanute players and there were no outs.
Bristol struck out the fourth batter of the inning. Then Iola’s defense turned a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning and the game.
Bristol got the win in relief. He pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball, gave up two hits, walked one and struck out two.
Bristol’s first strikeout ended Chanute’s run in the sixth inning. Chanute finally got to Jerrik Sigg, who came in relief of starter Ethan Ericson in the first inning. Sigg had checked Chanute for over four innings.
Chanute used seven hits and a walk to score five runs and take a 7-6 lead. Iola was able to battle back with two runs in the sixth.
Sigg worked five innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and four walks. He recorded nine strikeouts.
Ericson was charged with two runs on a walk and three hit batters in the first inning. He struck out one batter.
The Indians, 21-14, advance into the Kansas Amateur Baseball Association (KABA) double elimination tournament this weekend in Burlington. Iola takes on Garnett at 11 a.m. Friday.
Games are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The championship game is at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Against Chanute, Levi Ashmore and Chris Heffern each had a single and a double. Ryan Latta hit two singles.
Clint Heffern doubled. Hitting a single each were Sigg, Bristol, Corey Taylor and Jarred Latta.
Iola Indians edge Chanute to reach KABA tournament
