Wildcats take Eagles in four

AFTON — Despite losing a player after a gruesome slide into second base, the West Central Valley Wildcats (19-9) took the easy 14-2 win over the East Union Eagles (13-8) Wednesday in Afton.

East Union pitcher Avery Staver started for the Eagles, striking out two batters in three innings.

The Wildcats took advantage of several miscues between the pitcher and catcher, five steals in the first inning including one runner stealing home.

The Eagles looked to rebound, but hit three balls to fly out to end the inning quickly.

In the second inning, West Central Valley’s Addilyn Richter slid to second base in a steal, tangling her leg in what first responders report to look like a fracture.

The game was delayed as Creston and Afton medics came onto the field to treat and transport her.

As the game resumed, the Wildcats continued to steal bases, finding a score stealing home.

A big fourth inning for the Wilcats put them ahead 14-0.

Noelle McKnight led the Eagles with two hits on two plate appearances including a double and an RBI.

The Eagles face Orient-Macksburg on the road Friday in the Class 1A regional opener.