MITCHELL The Wessington Springs Owls jumped out to a 3-0 lead early on, but needed a middle innings rally to defeat the Akron Rebels 10-7 Wednesday to claim a first-round win at the State B amateur baseball tournament.
The Owls got a double from Blake Larson with one out in the top of the first. Lason was advanced to third after a passed ball on strike three to Clay Olinger. Trevor Kenobbie followed with a single that scored Larson.
A walk to Tom Stange loaded the bases before a single by Drew Olinger scored a pair of runs to give the Owls an early 3-0 lead.
Akron would come back with five runs in the fourth and another run in the fifth to claim a 6-3 lead, but the Owls had a big inning in store for the sixth.
Stange led off the inning with a single to left and advanced to second on an error on a pop out. Drew Olinger singled, but Stange had to hold up at second. An error on a ball hit by Terrek Butterfield loaded the bases and a passed ball scored Stange.
Cade Mohling was hit by pitch and loaded the bases before Larson reached on an error, scoring Drew Olinger. Clay Olinger then walked, driving in Butterfield.
Kenobbie doubled to drive in Mohling and Larson, then Clay Olinger scored on a wild pitch to cap the scoring for the Owls, giving them a 9-6 lead.
Each team would tack on one more run in the closing innings, but the Owls walked away with the win.
Parker DeJean started on the mound for Wessington Springs, tossing 6 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs on seven hits and four walks, striking out four. Butterfield relieved and got out of the seventh inning, allowing three hits and a walk to record two outs.
Mason Schelske tossed two scoreless innings to close the game, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one.
Larson and Kenobbie each had a double and a single to pace the offense. Drew Olinger had a pair of singles and a walk.
Stange had a walk and a single and Mohling singled and was hit by pitch.
The Owls (12-5) advance to the second round Sunday against Larchwood, Iowa, at 5:30 p.m.
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