Mustangs B team falls to Powell

The Lovell Mustangs American Legion B squad hosted the Powell Pioneers B team last Thursday, May 15, in Cowley. In what was supposed to be a nine-inning contest, the Mustangs fought hard to come back after an early defect but dropped the game with a final score of 14-10. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the game was called off after the top of the seventh inning.

“We knew that we would be having four A games on Friday and Saturday, so we made the decision to sit out those kids that play on both the A and B teams,” Mustangs B coach Pete Baxendale said. “We needed to save their arms for those games.”

Although they were left short-handed due to that decision, Baxendale was proud of his team’s efforts.

“Those younger kids stepped up and played well,” he added. “It was unfortunate that the weather played a factor in our performance yet again. I am proud of the boys for fighting hard in those tough conditions.”

The Pioneers put a run on the board in the top of the first before an explosive six-run top of the second left Powell leading 7-0.

Lovell managed two runs in the bottom half of both the second and third innings to narrow the gap to 7-4.

Heading into the fifth, Powell tacked on another two runs before the Mustangs answered back with three runs of their own to make it 9-7.

The hitting from both teams stayed hot through the sixth inning with each team adding three runs apiece in the frame, locking the score at 12-10 in favor of the Pioneers.

Powell added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh that sealed the 14-10 victory.

For the Mustangs, the team connected for eight hits led by Dax Mangus, who went 2-for-2 at the plate.

Jaxen Baxendale, Dane Wilson, Rocco Rael, Aaiden Walker, Jaxson Miller and Bradley Mickelson each managed a hit against the Pioneers.

On the mound, Dallin Bischoff got the nod for the start and went 1.2 innings to start the game, allowing four hits and striking out four Powell batters.

Walker came in to relieve Bischoff and pitched the next 2.1 innings for the Mustangs. He struck out three, walked five and gave up five earned runs on three hits.

Miller pitched the fifth inning, allowing two hits, three walks, and earned one strikeout.

To close out the game, Mickelson finished the final 1.2 innings. He struck out one Pioneer, walked four and gave up two hits.

The Lovell Mustangs C team traveled to Powell this Wednesday evening, but scores and stats were not available by press time.