Sioux Central rallies for fourth straight win

(Photo by Jeff Hasselmann) Sioux Central's Trevor Tiefenthaler slides safely into second base in the fourth inning of a Northwest Conference game Thursday, July 2, 2009, in Peterson. The steal was Tiefenthaler's 37th of the year, good for third in the state. Tiefenthaler and the Rebels overcame a 5-0 deficit to beat Newell-Fonda 10-8. [Order this photo]

Sioux Central scored five runs in two of its final three plate appearance and southpaw Kole Erickson limited Newell-Fonda to just two runs over the final three innings Thursday in Peterson as the Rebels overcame a 5-0 deficit to beat the Mustangs 10-8.

Erickson, who gave up one run in 5 2/3 innings against the same Newell-Fonda squad on Monday, allowed five hits and struck out three in his three innings of work Thursday.

(Photo by Jeff Hasselmann) Sioux Central reliever Mike Ripke delivers a pitch toward the plate during the third inning against Newell-Fonda on Thursday, July 2, 2009. Ripke, who gave up one run in three innings of work, did not factor into the decision. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The junior earned his third win in his fourth appearance, keeping the Mustangs at six runs until they scored twice in the seventh.

Sioux Central (15-10, 7-2) tied the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the fourth when Stu Goslinga drove in Trevor Tiefenthaler with a double to right center. The Rebels took their first lead one inning later with a 4-run rally.

Mike Ripke doubled and Andy Saunders walked to start the fourth. Ripke scored the go-ahead run on Austin Buchholz' bunt single, and Saunders came around to score on a throwing error. Three batters later, Tiefenthaler gave Sioux Central a 10-6 advantage with a 2-run triple to left center.

Newell-Fonda built its early lead with plenty of help from the Rebels, who committed five errors in the contest.

The Mustangs took advantage of three errors in the first inning and started the rally with a pair of bloop singles -- the only two balls to leave the infield in the opening frame.

The Rebels scored twice in the second on a 2-RBI double from Tiefenthaler, and cut the gap to 5-3 with Buchholz' run-scoring double in the third. Also in the third, a pair of balks to Newell-Fonda pitcher Connor Juils, who had three in the game, allowed the Rebels to tie the game.

Newell-Foda took its final lead on an RBI single in the fourth.

Sioux Central starting pitcher Andy Saunders pitched two innings, giving up five runs on four hits. Ripke worked the next two before giving way to Erickson. Ripke allowed one run on four hits, striking out one.

Tiefenthaler went 2-for-3 with one run, four RBI and his 37th stolen base of the year -- tied for third in the state in all classes. Goslinga added one RBI in a 2-for-4 night, Ripke went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and a run, and Buchholz was 3-for-3 with three runs and two RBI.

Sioux Central plays at Schaller-Crestland Friday before hosting Storm Lake St. Mary's Monday and Aurelia Wednesday to round out the regular season.