Big Fourth Inning Sparks Lenox Over Atlantic in Non-conference Baseball Game

(Atlantic) Lenox scored six runs on five hits in the top of the fourth inning, leading the Tigers to an 11-4 win on Monday night at Atlantic.

The Tigers scored 11 runs on 13 hits. Dawson Evans, Gabe Funk, and Laramie Stoaks each drilled three hits. Brody Brokaw and Rydder Hogan stroked two hits each, and Jack Reed and Brogan Peterson stroked singles.

The Trojans scored four runs on one hit. Jaice Larson had the base knock.

Lenox plated one run at the top of the first inning on Laramie Stoaks RBI single, driving home Gabe Funk, who reached on an error. The Trojans answered in the bottom of the frame when lead-off hitter Sawyer Tarrell reached on an error and eventually scored on a wild pitch. The home team added to its lead with another run in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Jaice Larson walked, stole second, reached third on a passed ball, and stole home, giving the Trojans a 2-1 lead.

Lenox fired back in the top of the third with one run on three hits. Brody Brokaw stroked the RBI single for the Tigers. However, the game-changer came in the fourth inning when the visitors sent nine batters to the plate, scoring six runs on five hits. Dawson Evans, Gabe Funk, Laramie Stoaks, Jack Reed, and Rydder Hogan provided the firepower at the plate for Lenox and an 8-2 lead. Funk, pitching in relief, retired ten straight hitters to keep the Trojans at bay.

Lenox extended its lead to 11-2 with one run in the sixth and two more in the top of the seventh. Despite the large deficit, Atlantic battled in the bottom of the seventh, scoring two runs on one hit. Jaice Larson, and Kalvin Hayes both scored for the Trojans.

Atlantic Head Coach Nathan Block pointed to throwing strikes and defense as bright spots for the Trojans. Tristan Hayes started the game, striking out one hitter, walking one, and hit a batter in three innings of work. Keeston Schmitt pitched three and one-third innings in relief, with six strikeouts, one walk, and one hit batsman.

Coach Block’s message to the team.

Both teams are back in action on Tuesday. Atlantic (0-1) is at Missouri Valley. Lenox (1-0) plays at Creston.