Junior Legion CC/SB defeat Taconite after a big sixth inning

There were some early fireworks on July 1 in the Je Legion game between the Cook County/Silver Bay Vikings and the Jr. Legion team from Taconite.

The Vikings put up three runs in the first and one in the second to lead 4-2 before both teams’ bats went silent over the next three innings. A seven-run explosion in the sixth inning was all the Vikings needed as they cruised to an 11-3 win.

The sixth inning barrage was led by timely singles by Hunter Gomez, Jake Mixdorf, a walk by Jake Stadler and a double by Ryan Shannon.

Clayton Smith picked up the win for the Vikings. Clayton pitched five innings, allowing one run, five hits and striking out two.

Ethan Tate started on the mound for the Vikings. Ethan pitched two innings, allowing two runs on two hits and striking out one.

Taconite’s starting pitcher Denelli was the losing pitcher. He threw for four innings, allowing three hits, four runs and struck out seven.

The Vikings tallied nine hits. Amos Falter was one for three with two walks. Jacob Carpenter was two-forthee with one walk. Jake Stadler was two-for-three with a RBI and one walk. Hunter Gomez was one for three with three RBIs. Benelli Myers was O-for-four but scored one run. Jae Mixdorf was two-for-four with two RBIs. Racye Gibson walked three times and scored one run. Cade Smith walked once in three plate appearances. Ethan Tate batted once and struck out. Clayton Smith didn’t get a hit or walk in two at bats, Ryan Shannon was one-for-one with three RBIs and MaCoy Fairbanks scored one run when he came in to pinch run.

Both teams had one error. Taconite finished with seven hits and six base on balls while the Vikings had nine hits and nine walks in the game.