North Mahaska stayed within striking distance of Class 1A No. 5 Lynnville-Sully for the first four innings. But the Hawks took advantage of walks and timely hits to earn a 10-1 victory and remain atop the South Iowa Cedar League standings.
Lynnville-Sully (20-3) led 3-0 after the first two innings. North Mahaska was able to cut the lead to 3-1 with a tally in the bottom of the fourth. The Hawks then put up four runs in the fifth, one in the sixth and two more in the seventh to seal the win.
Pitching was the difference in the contest. Lynnville-Sully’s Carson Maston struck out 11 and allowed just two hits and walking three while going the distance. North Mahaska (9-9) utilized three pitchers. Ryan Andersen took the loss going 4 1/3 innings. He gave up seven runs on six hits, six walks and a hit batsman. Nate Sampson tossed the next 1 2/3 giving up three runs on three hits, a pair of walks and a hit batsman. Jaxon Vander Veer finished the game.
Andersen hit a double and Sampson a single for the only hits for the Warhawks.
Corder Noun Harder hit a single and homerun with an RBI and Jaiden Richards hit three singles to drive in three runs.
North Mahaska will close out the SICL home season Friday when they host BGM for senior night. Carter Lake, Andersen, Carson Doak and Sampson will be recognized.