FIVE RUN SEVENTH INNING LEADS WEYAUWEGA-FREMONT TO VICTORY
By Mike Wendlandt
IOLA, WI – A five run seventh inning off three separate pitchers led Bo Witkowski and the Weyauwega-Fremont Warhawks (3-5) to victory over Iola-Scandinavia (0-7) by a score of 8-3 at Taylor Field in Iola on Thursday afternoon. After being bottled up for five innings by Iola-Scandinavia starter Carter Melum, the Warhawks were able to get two runs across in the sixth off Melum before exploding offensively in the seventh against the relief corps, largely because of their approach.
“Guys waited back on the ball more, taking the pitches away to right field. The ball found got through and found the gaps,” said head coach Joe Sambs.
On the other side, Witkowski was the star of the show, throwing six strong innings to get the win. The righthander allowed only four hits and three runs, only one of which was earned, while striking out four. He settled in after a two run first inning to quiet the Thunderbird bats before Quinn Dittman closed it out in the seventh.
Offensively for Weyauwega-Fremont Witkowski was again the leader, going three for three with a run batted in from the cleanup spot. Parker Groskreutz also had a big day, driving in three runs while both Jaden Rice and Jacob Doede both scored a pair of runs each.
For Iola-Scandinavia, Melum threw six innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out four. Reliever Will Tappa gets the loss after facing and walking the only two batters he faced which both went around to score. Tanner Coles and Jackson Fredy closed out the seventh for the Thunderbirds.
For Weyauwega-Fremont, they turn around and take on Wittenberg-Birnamwood at home Friday afternoon before taking part in a varsity triangular on Saturday in Berlin. Iola-Scandinavia stays at home and will take on Pacelli and Bonduel in a triangular of their own on Saturday.