LA CYGNE — Trent Latta had another brilliant pitching performance to lead the Iola High Mustangs to a 10-0 third place finish against Osawatomie in the Pioneer League Tournament Tuesday.
“I thought we came out and played with a little bit more fire and aggressiveness,” coach Mark Percy said. “Of course, Trent pitched a good game and that helps. So, if we can play like this all the time, then we’re going to be a pretty competitive team.”
After pitching a no-hitter Against Central Heights last week, Latta gave up only two hits with 10 strikeouts through six innings.
Latta also got things started for the Mustang offense, going 3-for-3 with two base hits, a triple and two runs scored. Kohl Endicott also had a good day at the plate going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI single.
After a scoreless inning in a half, Iola took the lead in the bottom of the second. With runners on first and third, Endicott hit a single up the middle that scored the first run of the game. Latta then hit an RBI single to take the 2-0 advantage.
Endicott stole home, after Latta made a move for second. The catcher threw the ball to the short stop, who saw Endicott break for home. Endicott easily beat the throw.
In the third Latta gave up his first hit of the game, ending nine-straight hitless innings. The Mustangs rallied for two more runs in the third.
After reaching second base on an error by the Trojans first baseman, Derrick Weir stole third and then came home on a wild pitch. Next to wild pitches, the Trojans also had a problem fielding the ball, allowing batters to reach on three key errors. Coleson Wiggin walked, and eventually came around to score on an RBI double by Ethan Sigg.
In the fourth, Latta had a single, stole second and made it to third on a wild pitch. Overall, the Trojans had four wild pitches that would help Iola runners advance. Latta came around to score on an RBI single from Weir.
Leading 6-0 in the fifth, Iola scored two more runs during a two out rally. Endicott reached on a single, then stole second base. He made it to third after a fielders choice. Latta then hit a ball over the right fielder’s head resulting in an RBI triple. Latta then came into score on another wild pitch.
Latta pitched the sixth with a 1-2-3 inning. All the Mustangs needed to clinch the game was two runs for the scoring limit to take effect. Weir had a lead off walk, then Ethan Scheibmeir hit a double, putting both runners in scoring position. Drew Faulhaber hit a line-drive single scoring both runners, winning the game.
“Of course I wanted to see Trent throw well, but I wanted to see the team play with a little bit more fire and get after it,” Percy said. “So, this is a good game to end on before regionals.”
The Mustangs head to Burlington Tuesday to take on Santa Fe Trail to open the Class 4A Regional Tournament. The winner advances to Tuesday’s championship game and a potential state playoff berth.
