In a non-conference doubleheader broadcast live on 94.3 KNIA on Thursday night, the Indianola baseball team defeated Carlisle 2-0 and 5-2. Meanwhile, the softball team split at the Mustangs Invitational, losing to Ankeny Centennial 12-0 and defeating Urbandale 7-0.
The Indianola softball team defeated the J-Hawks by scoring a run in the first inning, three more in the second, two more in the fourth, and one more in the fifth. However, they never got the offense going against the Jaguars in the first game. Indianola is currently 19–13 on the season and will host Des Moines East on Tuesday.
Asher Brueck came in for the save to win game one, but Bryant Ritchie pitched six shutout innings in the first game against the Wildcats. The offense scored a run in the fourth and another on a wild pitch in the fifth. Asher Brueck leveled the game with a two-RBI triple in the bottom of the inning to make it 2-2 after the first. In game two, the Wildcats got hits with four of the first five batters and took a 2-0 lead off of pitcher Tate Atkin. The Indians scored a run on a wild pitch in the fourth and added two more in the fifth with RBIs from George Blake and Dax Heimbaugh to take a 5-2 lead. Atkin then calmed down and gave up just one hit the rest of the way.
After the game, Atkin stated that the defense has been playing so well behind the pitchers for the past few weeks, and the trust that has developed during the season has given them great confidence as the season draws to a close.
Zach Benge was 2-3 at the plate and Blake went 3-3, driving in a run.
The Indians will face Des Moines Lincoln on Monday; they are now 26-5 on the season.
