THORNBURG – The Montezuma Braves solidified their hold on third place in the South Iowa Cedar League – and padded some of their statistics – in a 25-1 race past Tri-County in varsity baseball action on Friday, June 18.
The Braves, up 7-0 after two innings, plated a dozen runs in the third, seizing complete control of the game.
Cole Watts regained the overall state lead in batting average by going four-for-four. That included a triple, a home run, five runs batted in and three stolen bases.
Cam Johnson, Montezuma’s starting pitcher, helped his own cause with six runs batted in on a two-for-three game that included a pair of triples.
On the mound, Johnson threw four innings, gave up three hits, allowed a run that was earned, walked one and struck out seven.
Garrett Watts was three-for-five with two RBIs.
Owen Cook was two-for-four, including a double, three RBIs, three stolen bases – and five runs scored.
Connor Van Zee was two-for-three with a run batted in.
Gavin Strong was four-for-five, with an RBI.
Cruz De Jong had two hits and a run batted in.
Eli Bustamante hit a triple and knocked in two runs.
Getting one hit each were Colton Benson, who knocked in three runs; Joey Kercheval, and Kaya Latcham, who had an RBI with his.
The Braves stole 13 bases in 13 attempts. Montezuma made just one error.
Montezuma moved to 8-3 overall, which includes a 7-3 SICL record.
Tri-County fell to 0-11 and 0-10.
UP NEXT – Montezuma is at BGM on Wednesday, June 23.