Iuka broke open a close game with a six-run fourth inning and went on to defeat Jasper, 11-3, Tuesday.
The Pirates took advantage of their opportunities at the plate and on the base paths, drawing 16 walks and stealing nine bases in the victory.
Iuka opened the scoring in the bottom of the first when Madilynn White drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home a run. Jasper answered in the third, taking advantage of an Iuka error to tie the game at 2-2.
The Pirates quickly regained the lead in the bottom half of the third, scoring three runs with the help of three walks to take a 5-2 advantage.
Iuka then put the game out of reach in the fourth.
Sophia Santiago drew a walk to force in a run, while Madilynn Borcherding reached on a fielder’s choice that brought another run home. Briella Wodtka added an RBI walk before Shaylee Vest grounded out to drive in two more runs. A wild pitch brought home the final run of the inning, giving the Pirates an 11-2 lead.
Jasper added a run later in the game, but Iuka’s pitching and defense kept the Lady Polecats from mounting a comeback.
Vest earned the victory in the circle, allowing five hits and three runs over six innings. None of the three runs were earned. She struck out eight and did not issue a walk.
White led Iuka with two RBIs from the No. 9 spot in the lineup, while Claire Bundy went 1-for-2 to lead the Pirates in hits.
Wodtka and EllaMae Linder each drew three walks, while Wodtka, White and Bundy each stole multiple bases.
Iuka will look to carry the momentum into Thursday when the Pirates travel to face St. Mary-Willow Grove.
