Spirit Lake let a potential Lakes Conference win slip away Monday night on the baseball diamond. With the Indians leading 6-1 entering the sixth, Cherokee would score six runs, capped by a three-run homer to take a one-run lead before adding an insurance run in an 8-6 come-from-behind win. The Indians notched four runs in the first inning, forcing the Braves to bring in a new pitcher, Brock Benson, who eventually got the win. Spirit Lake starter Paul Brown didn’t factor in the decision, despite allowing just four runs on six hits as he worked into the sixth inning. Mitch Peschon took the loss in relief after giving up the big home run, though he struck out five in two innings. Spirit Lake had four players with multiple hits, led by Brown’s 2-for-3 night with two runs scored and one driven in. Casey Jones was a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI. The Indians drop to 4-4 overall and 1-2 in conference. Tuesday’s baseball showdown with MOC-Floyd Valley will be a varsity only affair beginning at 5:30 in Spirit Lake.
In other Lakes Conference play, Spencer received two two-run homers from Josh Bubke to pull away from rival Emmetsburg with a 16-6 win in five innings. Bubke finished with five RBI. Brandt Ilig earned the win allowing six runs on seven hits and striking out six, while the loss falls to the EHawks Brady Berkland. The Tigers are now 5-4 on the season and 2-1 in conference play. Emmetsburg falls to 1-7 and 0-3 in league play.
In the Siouxland Conference, Okoboji and Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley were locked up in a pitchers dual that was eventually won 3-1 by the Comets. Ray Zalabowski took the loss despite surrendering just one earned run on five hits with eleven strikeouts. He also went 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.
