MCPHERSON — The Iola Mustangs struck out while stepping up to larger competition at the McPherson Quad Friday with a 5-1 loss to Rock Creek and a 5-3 loss to El Dorado.
Despite recently taking the Pioneer League title last Thursday, the Mustangs continue facing some of the top teams to season themselves for an equally competitive environment once the postseason rolls around.
Senior pitcher Grady Dougherty took the loss in the opener with six strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings while allowing one earned run. Sophomore Jase Herrmann was equally impressive in his brief stint as relief with a strikeout. Dougherty accounted for Iola’s only RBI with a fourth-inning single hit paydirt. Dougherty tied junior catcher Tre Wilson and sophomore third baseman Austin Crooks for the team lead in hits. Dougherty and Wilson hit in 1 of 2 at-bats while Crooks was successful in 1 of 3 appearances.
Iola had a bit more success in the consolation game against El Dorado but had to play catchup after the Wildcats scored two runs in the first and second innings. A Wilson homer in the third accounted for all three of Iola’s runs, but it was not enough to overcome the early deficit as Iola fell 5-3.
Herrmann took the loss with six strikeouts over four innings while allowing three earned runs, four hits and two walks. Senior Gavin Jones came on in relief with a pair of strikeouts over two innings. Herrmann tied Wilson for the team lead in hits with the pair successful in 2 of 4 at-bats.
Barring forecasted rain Tuesday, the Mustangs continue to face larger schools, with a doubleheader slated against the Parsons Vikings in Parsons. On Thursday, they host the Emporia Spartans for a doubleheader. First pitches for Tuesday’s games in Parsons are 4:30 and 6 p.m.
