Tigers trample Tri-County

NEW LONDON — There wasn’t much room for stumbling blocks in the Class 1A substate opener for top-seeded and seventh-ranked New London. The Tigers trounced Tri-County 17-1 in four innings to earn a quarterfinal berth.

Tri-County struck early. The Trojans plated one run off New London freshman pitcher Brenden Richey in the first inning to take a short-lived lead.

After that, it was all New London.

The Tigers pushed nine runs through in the first inning, six in the second and two in the third, while shutting the Trojans out for the rest of the night.

Kooper Schulte led the Tigers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, four RBIs and three runs scored in the victory. Richey helped himself, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs, and Tucker Gibbar was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Josh Catala was a perfect 2-for-2 for New London. Hecniel Rodriguez was 2-for-3 with a triple.

Richey threw all four innings on the mound. He gave up one earned run on five hits, while striking out six Tri-County batters.

The win advanced New London to Tuesday night’s quarterfinal game against Danville. Results for that game will be in Thursday’s edition of the Southeast Iowa Union’s legacy papers.