The Thorp/Owen-Withee Redhawks rallied late to edge the Spencer Rockets 9-8 in a wild non-conference baseball game last week Tuesday, May 12.
The Redhawks built an early cushion with three runs in the first inning and three more in the second before holding off a Spencer comeback. The Rockets scored six runs in the fifth inning to briefly surge ahead, but Thorp/Owen-Withee answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning and held Spencer to just one run the rest of the way.
Nolan Petersen led the Redhawks offensively, finishing 3 for 3 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Petersen also collected a pair of doubles as part of an eight-hit team effort.
Peyton Reynolds added a triple and scored once, while Tegan Treankler drove in three runs. Clay Mueller scored three times and added an RBI, and Evan Penterman contributed a hit, RBI and run scored.
Isaiah Pyrchalla started on the mound for the Redhawks, striking out six over just more than four innings. Mueller earned the win in relief, allowing just one hit over the final two innings while striking out seven.
Thorp/Owen-Withee finished with nine runs on eight hits, while Spencer scored eight runs on seven hits. Both teams committed four errors.
The Redhawks were aggressive on the bases, with Mueller stealing three bases and Penterman and Rak Werner each adding a steal.
Spencer was led by a six-run fifth inning that nearly erased the early deficit, but Mueller shut the door late as the Redhawks secured a one-run victory.
A follow-up game Thursday ended 12-2 in the Rocket’s favor.
Redhawks head coach Peter Devine shared more after results.
“We were hoping to keep our momentum going after beating Spencer in an exciting 9-8 game on Tuesday, just two days prior,” he said. “We were also on a three-game winning streak coming into the game. This time, however, Spencer came out swinging their bats well and their pitcher, Dalton Post, also pitched well. We were more prepared to play prior to the previous games. As a young team, that consistency will come with experience.”
Now 3-11 for the season after Spencer, the Redhawks played Loyal Tuesday, after press time, facing the Greyhounds again Thursday, May 21 at Loyal. Game start is 5 p.m.