MONTEZUMA – The best seventh inning rally by the Braves this season fell short on Monday, June 23.
The Braves put up seven runs in the bottom of the seventh. But North Mahaska left town with a 13-10 victory.
The Warhawks led 10-3 through six innings of play. North Mahaska scored 3 runs in its half of the seventh to take a 13-3 lead.
Then came Montezuma’s bid for a Hollywood finish – seven runs in the bottom of the seventh.
Nolan Hudnut went three-for-four with a run batted in.
Luke Erselius had two hits for the Braves. Ty Smothers had two hits – both doubles.
Gavin Wilcox drove in a run with one hit.
Isaac Wedgewood had a hit. Lars Taylor drew two walks and drove in a run with one of them.
Ethan Desrochers had a hit and a run batted in.
The Braves were guilty of four errors and were not able to steal a base.
Easton Hudnut, the first of three Montezuma pitchers, worked 4.0 innings, allowed 11 hits and 7 runs, all earned. He walked two and struck out three.
Gavin Wilcox pitched two innings, gave up three hits and three runs, one of them earned. He walked one and struck out four.
Isaac Wedgewood pitched one inning, allowing two hits and 3 runs, none of them earned. He didn’t walk anyone and struck out one.
Dan Van Mersbergen went five-for-five for North Mahaska, including a double and five runs batted in.
Hunter Wernli hit a home run.
Ryan Groom had two hits and Charlie Goemaat had two hits and an RBI.
Pitcher Jaxon VanDerVeer pitched 6.1 innings to get the win, allowing 9 hits and 4 runs, three of them earned. He walked one and struck out six.
North Mahaska moved to 10-7 on the season.
The Braves fell to 4-9.