Gladstone Indians Bats Overwhelm Bark River Bucs

BARK RIVER---The Gladstone Indians scored five runs in the fourth inning to break open a close game and beat the Bark River Bucs, 13-6, Tuesday night in Bark River.

The Indians pounded out 14 base hits, including a single, two-run triple and solo home run by Dan Martin. Cody Frappier added a two-run single in the first inning, plus a two-run double in the ninth inning. Cooper Cavadeas had a two-run double during that big fourth inning, while Ben Kelly and Jared Crow each contributed a pair of base hits.

The Bucs also did well at the plate, with 13 base hits in the game, but they had trouble getting the big hit with men in scoring position.

The Bucs hit into three double plays, including one to end the game in the bottom of the ninth.

Kadin Mustafa was 3-for-5 with two runs batted in for the Bucs. Leadoff batter Zach Englund also had three hits and scored twice. Matt Richer added two base hits.

The biggest play of the game for Gladstone came on defense, in the bottom of the third inning. After Mustafa singled home a run and Logan Heim doubled home another, the Bucs were within 5-3. With the bases loaded, Cole Ray scored one toward left field, a shot that surely would have tied the game.

But Gladstone third baseman Tyson Seymour jumped in the air, caught the ball, and fired two second base for a double play. The Indians then scored five runs in the next inning to take command of the game.

Gladstone also made a big defensive play in the sixth inning when Mustafa got another base hit with Englund on second base.

Englund tried to score but was thrown out by plenty as center fielder Braeden Lamberg fired a laser to Indians catcher Cole Hansen.

Englund tried to hurdle Hansen to avoid the tag, but was out on the play.

Earlier in the game, Mason Korhonen was tagged out between third base and the plate after getting into a pickle on a grounder by Nick Javurek.

Zac Hanson threw the first four innings to earn the victory for Gladstone, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits. Ian Schwalbach threw the final five innings to earn the save, allowing two runs on six base hits and five walks.

Mustafa started on the lund for the Bucs and took the loss, going 3 1/3 innings, allowing ten runs on nine hits. He walked three and hit three batters. Richer threw the next 3 2/3 innings, and he threw well, allowing just one run on two hits. Sam Hall threw the final two innings, giving up two runs on three hits and a pair of walks.

The game was changed to a single nine-inning contest, rather than the scheduled doubleheader of two six inning games.

Gladstone (16-4) has now won 14 of its last 15 games. The Bucs are now 9-7.

Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box above to see photos, video highlights taken by Laura Lamberg.