The Lynnville‑Sully baseball team turned a 3‑0 hole into a 6‑3 victory over Montezuma in the district semifinal, showcasing a late‑game rally that left the crowd roaring.
A Clutch Sixth Inning
The turning point arrived in the sixth when senior Jack Bowlin executed a suicide squeeze bunt that tied the game. The play ignited a four‑run burst that flipped the momentum and put the Hawks ahead for good.
Lynnville‑Sully had taken an early lead in the third with two runs, but Montezuma’s unearned runs in the second had kept the pressure on. The Hawks finally broke through with a timely hit from Trace Carlson, whose RBI single gave them the lead they would not relinquish.
Key Performers
JD Richards anchored the offense with two hits, a triple, three RBIs and a stolen base, while also contributing a run and a walk. Brody Borg, who started on the mound, delivered a complete‑game performance, allowing just four hits, walking one and striking out eight in seven innings. His effort earned him the win and kept the Braves’ offense at bay.
Looking Ahead to Baxter
The Hawks, now 106‑11 over the past four seasons and the defending 1A champions, will meet county rival Baxter in the District 12 championship. With a .562 batting average and 50 runs this season, Richards sits third in the state rankings, underscoring the team’s depth and experience.
Pitching will be a key factor against Baxter, where the opposition’s ace, Luke Erselius, tossed six innings allowing five earned runs on seven hits while striking out ten. The Hawks’ balanced attack, featuring contributions from Trace Carlson, Carson Kottenstette, Matthew Mintle, Carsen Kottenstette, Ike Wedgewood, Nolan Hudnut and others, positions them well for a competitive title chase.