Clear Lake Upset Knocks Chariton Out, 5-4

Members of the Chariton Charger baseball team are introduced prior to taking the field.  (Kevin Fitzpatrick photo)

The Chargers had six great innings against Clear Lake before being knocked off.  Clear Lake Lions were 2nd coming into the state high school baseball tournament.  For about six and two-thirds innings it looked like the Chargers would collect their first-ever victory in state tournament playoffs.

With one swing of the bat though, a hit came with bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh.  The Clear Lake Lions stole a game right out of the grasp of the ever-deserving 2013 Charger baseball squad.

In the top of the first, Austin Peterson clocked a two out single into center field to get a runner on for Chariton.  Jordan Baughman proceeded to hit a ground ball to the third baseman who cleanly scooped it up, but threw it low to the Clear Lake first baseman  which resulted in an error at first, putting runners on the  corners with two outs for the Chargers.  It looked like Alex Wright might be able to drive in a run when he smoked a hard-hit ball toward the gap in right center field, but the Lions' center fielder sprinted over and made a nice sliding grab to deny Chariton from scoring in the first.

In Clear Lake's half of the inning, their first batter reached via walk to open the game, then stole second, but was picked off by Charger starter Charlie Palmer.  The Lions get two more base runners on an infield hit and walk with two outs, but a ground ball for the unassisted out by the third baseman Brett Braida ended the threat.  Chariton went down in order in the top of the second.  The Lions pushed one across home plate in the bottom of the inning with a one hit-and-run with the runner coming in from third base.  The run scored, but the runner was thrown out at first for the second out.   Palmer hurled a strikeout to end the inning, but the Lions led 1-0.  Two consecutive ground balls through the infield by Token Hall and Austin Ritenour got the inning started off right for the Chargers.  Lucas Heaverlo followed them up with a ground out to the shortstop, but both runners advanced into scoring position.  Peterson, a .488 batter on the year, drove in a run with a line drive single down the right field four line.  With runners on the corners, Baughman nailed a sac fly into right that was deep enough for the runner to tag up and score from third base, but Chariton wasn't done yet.  Wright singled into center field, once again getting two runners on for Chariton at first and second.  Freshman first baseman TJ Hockenson drove in another run with a nice line drive into right field.  A Braida hard hit ball into center field looked like it might add yet another run, but it held up just enough for the center fielder to snag it on the run and stop the bleeding for Clear Lake.  After the top of the third, Chariton led 3-1.  The Lions went down in order in their half, and a walk by Hall was the only successful at bat in the top of the fourth for the Chargers.  The bottom of the fourth went about the same for Clear Lake.when a walk put a runner on, but two strikeouts and a ground out sent the game into the fifth.  In the top of the fifth, an interesting development took place.  Peterson led off the inning for Chariton by striking out, but on one of his strikes he sharply pulled a ball into the Charger's dugout, which actually hit the pitcher Charlie Palmer on his throwing elbow..  Two quick ground outs ended the half of the inning, and Palmer gave the ice pack up and determined he wasn't going to let a little ding on the elbow stop him from pitching in the state tournament.  A blooped ball over the second baseman with two-outs put a runner on first for the Lions, and he stole second shortly after.  An error and hit batter loaded the bases for Clear Lake, but Palmer induced a ground-out to the shortstop to get out of the jam.  A quick liner by Hockenson got him on, and a fielding error by the Lion shortstop let Braida reach to lead off the top of the sixth.  Hall laid down a perfect bunt with one out and legged it out to first to beat out the throw, which meant the bases were loaded for Chariton..  At this point, Clear Lake changed pitchers, which wasn't necessarily successful as the reliever walked in a run when Ritenour drew a base on balls to make it 4-1 Chargers.  The Lions threw out a runner at the plate and to star hitter Peterson to fly out to the shortstop for the last out.  Clear Lake went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the sixth, and Chariton couldn't add to their lead in the top of the seventh as they were also mowed down in order.  A lead off walk put a runner at first for the Lions in the bottom of the seventh.  A balk by Palmer moved the runner to second, and a dropped third strike gave him enough time to advance to third as well.  With one out and a runner on third, the next batter hit a soft floater that found the gap in left field, this scoring the runner and making it 4-2 Chariton with a runner on first for Clear Lake.  At this point, Palmer was relieved by Baughman on the mound.  The next batter batter crushed a double into center with two strikes, putting runners on second and third.  After a quick 3-0 count, the Chargers elected to walk the batter, putting a force at all bases.  The next at-bat was one Chariton fans would probably rather forget.  A triple over the head of the right fielder that sent the winning runs across ended the game in walk-off fashion for the Lions, and the Charges' fantastic season came to a premature halt, 5-4.

Palmer threw six and a third innings for Chariton, allowing two runs and striking out six.  Baughman took the loss on the mound, throwing the final two-thirds innings, allowing three runs.

Chariton ends the season with a 35-6 record overall.

Chariton Chargers Take on Clear Lake

Chargers Are State Tournament Bound

The Chargers baseball team is state tournament bound after a solid 4-2 victory over Ft. Madison at the 3A Substate final in Ottumwa on July 24th.  Right off the bat, the Chargers scored 4 runs to lead 4-0 after the first two innings and received outstanding pitching from starter Alex Wright and Jordon Baughman in relief to hold on for the victory.  Wright didn't allow a hit until the bottom of the sixth inning.  All three hits and two runs he gave up, were in the bottom of the sixth.  In five and 2/3 innings, Wright gave up two runs, both earned, on three hits while striking out six and walking six.  Baughman came on in relief with two outs in the bottom of the sixth.  In one and 1/3 innings he gave up no runs and no hits while striking out two and walking none.

Chariton had eight hits in the game.  Ritenour went 2-4 with two singles.  Wright went 2-4 with a double and a single and an RBI.  Baughman went 2-4 with two singles and a run score.  Braida went 1-3 with a triple and a run scored.  Heaverlo went 1-4 with a single and an RBI.  Peterson went 0-3 with a run scored and a walk.  Kinser went 0-3 with a run scored and an RBI.  Hockenson went 0-3 and Hall went 0-2.

All Stars 9 and Under State Champs

Chargers Battle for Win over Centerville, One more before State

Chargers edge Centerville in 10 innings to advance to sub-state final.

It was a heart pounding, seat gripping 4-3 win over Centerville in 10 innings in the 3A District 7 final at Indian Hills' Pat Daugherty Field in Centerville Monday night.

It seemed like the game would soon be over, but the Chargers refused to lose.  They used everything they could muster, battling every pitch while the loyal fans became fiercely loud in support of their team. Then it happened, they scored two runs to tie the game at three apiece and forced extra innings.

TJ Hockenson came up to bat in the bottom of the 10th inning and saved the day.  Jordan Baughman was on third base and Hockenson smacked a base hit between shortstop and third base, scoring Baughman amid the loud cheers of the red clad Charger crowd.

The run gave Chariton a 4-3 win and vaulted them into the 3A sub-state final against Ft. Madison at Ottumwa July 24th.  The winner of that game goes to the State Tournament at Principal Park in Des Moines.

Charlie Palmer and Jordon Baughman both pitched outstanding games and kept runs from scoring when they needed to do so.

Chargers Beat Keokuk and Advance to Play Centerville

The Chargers scored eight runs over the last three innings to beat Keokuk, 10-0, in six innings in the Class 3A District 7 semifinal at Indian Hills Community College's Pat Daugherty Field in Centerville on July 19.  The Chargers got off to a slow start offensively and led just 2-0 heading into the top of the fourth inning but scored two runs in the fourth, two runs in the fifth and four in the sixth to seal the win.

With the win, Chariton (33-5) advanced to play Centerville (22-16) in the Class 3A District 7 final at Pat Daugherty Field at 7 p.m. Monday, July 22.  Centerville advanced to the District final by beating Oskaloosa, 2-1, July 19.  Chariton was 3-1 against Centerville in the regular season.  The winner of the Chariton-Centerville game will advance to the substate final to play the winner of the Fairfield-Ft. Madison game July 24.

Winners of the 2013 Dorothy Disney Miller Scholarship

Varsity Chargers edge Williamsburg 3-2

The Chariton Chargers defeated Williamsburg in nine innings at Chariton on July 12th.  After seven innings the game was tied, 2-2, and the Chargers scored one run in the bottom of the ninth to get the win.  With the victory Chariton improved to 31-5 overall with one regular season game remaining.

Alex Wright and Austin Peterson each pitched for Chariton.  Wright got the win.  Wright pitched seven innings and gave up two runs, both unearned, on six hits while striking out six and walking none.  Peterson pitched two innings and gave up no runs and four hits while striking out two and walking none.

Chariton pounded out three runs on nine hits.  Shortstop Jordon Baughman went 3-4 with three singles and a run scored.  Second Baseman Lucas Heaverlo went 2-4 with two singles and an RBI.  Wright went 1-3 with a single, a run scored and a walk.  First baseman TJ Hockenson went 1-4 with a double.  Third baseman Brett Braida went 1-4 with a double and two RBIs.  Left fielder Ben Kinser went 1-4 with a triple and a run scored.  Center fielder Token Hall went 0-2 with a stolen base and a walk.  Peterson went 0-3 with a walk.  Catcher Austin Ritenour went 0-4 with a walk.

Varsity Chargers Fall To Saydel At Home

With the loss on July 11th against Saydel, 9-6,  the Chargers remained at 30-5 for the season.

Brett Braida and Ben Kinser each pitched for Chariton with Braida taking the loss.  In four innings, Braida gave up seven runs four earned, on nine hits while striking out one and walking none.  Kinser went three innings and gave up two runs, one earned, on two hits while striking out four and walking none.

The Eagles scored three runs in the top of the first to take a 3-0 lead.  The Chargers scored five runs in the bottom of the third to lead 5-3.  The Eagles added one more run in the fourth and three in the fifth to regain the lead, 7-5.  

Chariton scored once in the bottom of the fifth to cut the lead to 7-6.  The Eagles scored one run in each of the last two innings and held the Chargers scoreless in them to get the win.

Chariton belted out six runs on seven hits.  Shortstop Jordan Baughman went 2-4 with two singles, two runs scored and a stolen base.  Third baseman TJ Hockenson went 1-3 with a single and a run scored.  Braida went 1-3 with a single and an RBI.

Right fielder Austin Peterson went 1-4 with a single, a run scored and RBI.  Catcher Alex Wright went 1-4 with a single, a run scored and an RBI.  Designated hitter Austin Ritenour went 1-4 with a single and a run scored.  Left fielder Ben Kinser went 0-1 with an RBI.  Center fielder Token Hall went 0-3.  Second baseman Lucas Heaverlo went 0-4.  Charlie Palmer played at first base.

Chargers' 13-3 road win over Creston

Jordan Baughman hits home run in Chargers' 13-3 road win over Creston

By Bill Howes. Chariton Leader July 18

A stellar offensive performance by the Chariton varsity baseball team propelled them to a 13-3 win at Creston on July 9th.  The Chargers pounded out 13 runs on 14 hits including a home run by shortstop Jordan Baughman in the win.  With the victory, Chariton moved to 30-4 on the season.

TJ Hockenson and Austin Peterson both pitched for the Chargers with Hockenson getting the win.  Hockenson went six and 2/3 innings and gave up three runs, two earned, on three hits while striking out two and walking three.  Peterson pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up no hits and no runs, while striking out one and walking none.

After a scoreless first inning, the Chargers scored two runs in the second and two in the third to take a 4-0 lead.  Chariton blew the game open with six runs in the fourth to increase their lead to 10-0.

The Panthers scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to cut the lead to 10-3.  Chariton scored once more in the sixth and twice more in the seventh to complete the rout.

Six players had two hit games for the Chargers.  Baughman went 2-5 with a home run, a double, three runs scored and two RBIs.  Catcher Alex Wright went 2-4 with two doubles, a run scored and an RBI.  Designated hitter Austin Ritenour went 2-5 with a double, single, a run scored and three RBIs.  Second baseman Lucas Heaverlo went 2-4 with two singles, a run scored and two RBIs.

Right fielder Austin Peterson went 2-4 with two singles, a run scored, an RBI and a walk.  Left fielder Ben Kinser went 2-3 with two singles, two runs scored, an RBI and a walk.  Third baseman Brett Braida went 1-3 with a single, two runs scored, an RBI, a stolen base and a walk.

Center fielder Token Hall went 1-2 with a single, two runs scored and a walk.  Hockenson went 0-3 with a walk.  Charlie Palmer played at first base.

Chargers Sweep Albia for SCC Title

Chargers are SCC Champions!

Charger baseball Team Sweeps Albia

The Chariton High School baseball team clinched the South Central Conference title by winning an SCC doubelheader against Albia July 8th at the Monroe County Sports Complex.  The #7 Chargers beat the Blue Demons, 6-1 and 7-3, which gave them a final SCC mark of 16-4, one game ahead of Eddyville-Blakesburg.-Fremont.

Austin Peterson slides safely into home plate against Albia July 8th.
The Chargers claimed the 2013 South Central Conference title
outright, one game ahead of EBF

Chariton 7  Albia 1

Charlie Palmer pitched the opening game and struck out the first six Albia batters.  He ended up striking out nine batters in six innings on the mound.

Charlie Palmer pitches in the first game of the doubleheader
against Albia at Albia July 8th.  Palmer struck out nine
batters in the opener  (Bill Howes photos)

Chariton went up 2-0 in the second inning on a two-out two RBI single by Austin Ritenour.  Albia never made a significant scoring threat in the middle innings while Chariton added two runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to take a commanding 6-0 lead.  Chariton had only two hits while scoring the additional runs and they scored three runs on wild pitches.  Token Hall's double scored the other.  Ben Kinser doubled in the sixth and scored on a sacrifice fly by Ritenour to give the Chargers a 7-0 lead.  Albia scored their only run in the sixth on back-to-back two-out hits by Austin Luse and Griffin Osing to make it a 7-1 game.

Chariton stranded two runners in the seventh.  But it didn't matter as Alex Wright came on in relief for Chariton and retired the Albia batters in order to give the Chargers the win.

In six innings, Palmer gave up one earned run on five hits while striking out nine batters.  Wright pitched one inning and gave up no runs and had one strikeout.  Wright and Ritenour were the catchers in the first game.

Chariton 7 Albia 3

In the second game, Albia took a 2-0 lead with two runs in the bottom of the first.  Albia loaded the bases in the third but they weren't able to score off pitcher Jordan Baughman and the Charger defense.  The top of the fourth inning was key as Chariton scored six runs to take a 6-2 lead.  The Chargers smacked four hits and Albia committed three errors, which caused three of Chariton's six runs in the inning to be unearned.  Peterson and Baughman opened the Chariton fourth with back-to-back singles for their second hits of the game.  Wright and Braida each had RBIs and two Albia errors and a wild pitch allowed the other runs to score.  Chariton also used aggressive base running in the inning to its advantage. 

Albia scored once in the fifth to cut the lead to 7-3.  Baughman retired the Albia batters in order in the sixth and seventh inning to give Chariton the game two win.  The Chargers added one more run in the seventh as Peterson and Baughman each had their third hit of the game and Wright had an RBI.  Baughman got the win on the mound and in seven innings he gave up three runs, two earned, on eight hits while striking out seven and walking three.  Wright was the catcher in the second game.

From the Chariton Herald-Patriot dated July 11, 2013 by Bill Howes

18 Game Win Streak Over

Chargers win streak over with twinbill loss to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. The Chargers lost the opener, 5-1 and the nightcap, 5-4. The loss dropped Chariton into a first place tie with Eddyville. Chariton needs EBF to lose at least one of EFB's upcoming games with Centerville. The Chargers also need to win both games of their doubleheader at Albia. If Chariton and Eddyville tie for the conference lead, Eddyville may have the tiebreaker because they were 3-1 against Chariton this year. Both schools only have one more meet left.

Eddyville 5 Chariton 1

In the first game, the Chargers scored just one run on nine hits including eight singles and a double. The rockets scored twice in the top of the first to take a 2-0 lead. The Chargers had runners in scoring position at different times but weren't able to capitalize. In the bottom of the fourth, EBF pitcher, Levi Johnston struck out both Lucas Heaverlo and Token Hall to end the inning. Austin Peterson struck out in the bottom of the fifth. Jordan Baughman smacked a base hit to give the Chargers a runner at first. Alex Wright flew out to deep center and TJ. Hockenson struck out for the third out to end the inning. 

The Rockets scored two more runs in the top of the sixth to increase their lead to 4-0. Chariton got things going in the bottom of the sixth as they loaded the bases. Brett Braida began the inning with a walk followed by a strikeout by Ben Kinser. Austin Ritenour smacked a double up the middle to give the Chargers runners at first and second with one out. Heaverlo drew a walk to load the bases. Hall and Peterson both struck out, keeping the score at 4-0.

In the top of the seventh, EBF scored another run making the score 5-0. Palmer was replaced at pitcher by Hockenson. The Chargers scored once in the bottom of the seventh but couldn't get any closer to fall 5-1. Palmer took the loss on the mound.

Eddyville 5 Chariton 4

In the second game the Chargers rallied from a 5-1 deficit with three runs in the last two innings but came up just short. Chariton had seven hits including a home run by Peterson, who went 2-3 with a home run, a single, a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base. Braida went 3-3 with two doubles, a single and a run scored.

The Rockets scored three runs in the top of the first to take a 3-0 lead. Chariton answered with one run in the bottom of the inning to make the score 3-1. EBF scored once more in the fourth and once in the sixth to make it 5-1. The Chargers scored once in the bottom of the sixth and twice in the top of the seventh but fell one run short.

Braida took the loss on the mound. In three innings he gave up four runs, two earned, on seven hits while striking out four and walking none. Baughman pitched four innings and gave up one run, which was earned, on three hits while striking out eight and walking none

Varsity Baseball Team Sweeps Clarke

From the Chariton Herald-Patriot dated July 11 by Bill Howes

The Chariton varsity baseball team kept rolling with a doubleheader sweep of Clarke at Milledge Field.  The Chargers outscored the Indians, 25-2, over the two games to improve to 26-2 overall.  Chariton won one game 9-1 and the other 16-1 in four innings.

Chariton 16  Clarke 1

In this game, Chariton pounded out 16 runs on 11 hits.  The Chargers scored four runs in the first and seven in the second to storm out to an early 11-0 lead.  They scored once more in the third to go up 12-0.  The Indians scored their lone run in the top of the fourth to cut the lead to 12-1.  Chariton scored four more runs in the bottom of the fourth.  

Austin Peterson went the distance on the mound and got the win.  In four innings he gave up one earned run on one hit while striking out four and walking three.  Catcher Alex Wright went 3-3 with three singles and an RBI.  Adam Kaska went 2-2 with two singles, two runs scored and two RBIs.  Third baseman Brett Braida went 1-1 with a single, a run scored, two RBIs and a walk.  Left fielder Brett Hardin went 1-3 with a single, a run scored and an RBI.  Peterson went 1-2 with a single, an RBI and a walk.  Right fielder Austin Ritenour went 1-2 with a single, a run scored and a walk.  Ethan Payton went 1-1 with a single, a run scored and RBI.  Spencer Sherrick went 1-2 with a single.  Shortstop Jordan Baughman went 0-1 with two runs scored, an RBI, a stolen base and a walk.  Second baseman Aaron Cain went 0-1 with a run scored, a stolen base and two walks.  Center fielder Token Hall went 0-2 with a run scored, an RBI, a stolen base and a walk.  First baseman TJ Hockenson went 0-1  with a run scored and a walk.  Jon Lazear went 0-1.  Charlie Palmer went 0-1 with a walk.  Nate Hoeger scored two runs.  Luis Ortiz had one RBI.

Chariton 9  Clarke 1

In this win the Chargers pounded out nine runs on six hits.  Lucas Heaverlo and Sherrick both pitched in this game with Heaverlo getting the win.  In five innings, Heaverlo gave up one unearned run on two hits while striking out three and walking three.  Sherrick pitched two innings and gave up no runs and two hits while striking out one and walking none.

Clarke scored once in the top of the first to take a 1-0 lead.  The Chargers came back strong with three runs in the second and three more in the third to take a 6-1 lead.  Chariton scored once more in the fourth and twice more in the fifth to go up 9-1.

Braida went 2-4 with two singles, two runs scored and two RBIs.  Hall went 1-3 with a single, a run scored, a RBI and a stolen base.  Hockenson went 1-3 with a single, a run scored and a walk.  Peterson went 1-3 with a single, a run scored, a stolen base and a walk.  Right fielder Ben Kinser went 1-4 with a double and a run scored.

Baughman went 0-2 with two runs scored, one RBI, a stolen base and a walk.  Hardin and Heaverlo each went 0-2 with a walk.  Catcher Austin Ritenour went 0-3 with a stolen base.  Dustin Hardin also played in right field and had a walk.  Courtesy runner Nate Hoeger scored a run.

Lady Chargers' First Round Loss at Clarke

Lady Chargers' season ends with first round District loss at Clarke, 12-0, in three innings.  The game was played at Osceola.  After a scoreless first two innings, the Lady Indians scored all 12 of their runs in the third inning.  Chariton had just two hits on the night and committed seven errors.  Chariton ended the season with a 9-15 record.

Ellie Bengtson and Emily McRoberts both pitched for Chariton with Bengtson taking the loss.  In two and 2/3 innings, Bengtson gave up 12 runs, eight earned, on eight hits while striking out two and walking two.  McRoberts pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up no runs and one hit while striking out none and walking none..

Chariton catcher, Emma Fuhs went 1-1 with a single.  Center fielder Delaney Richards also went 1-1 with a single.  Left Fielder Kourtney Nichols went 0-2.  First baseman Kylie Bengtson went 0-1 with a walk.  Designated hitter Nikki Vande Lune went 0-2 and reached base by error once.  Second baseman Micaela Folkerts went 0-1.  Shortstop Alexis Curran and Ellie Bengtson each went 0-1.  Right fielder Emily Grismore had a sacrifice.  Chelsea McGee started at third base.  Maria Blong played as a courtesy runner.  

Chariton had nine put outs and six assists as a team.  Kylie Bengtson led the team with four and Emma Fuhs had two.  McGee, Richards and Curran each had one.  McGee and Ellie Bengtson led the team in assists with two apiece.  Folkerts and Curran each had one.

Chariton/Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Games

Chargers 18-Game win Steak Snapped

A pair of losses at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont brought the Chariton Charger's winning streak to an end.  The opener ended with a score of 5-1 in EBF's favor.  Then the nightcap, EBF defeated the Chargers again, 5-4.  Rain delayed the first game for 20 minutes due to lightning with two outs in the top of the seventh with the Rockets up and leading 5-0.  Chariton's record is now 26-4 overall.  The Chargers scored once in the seventh to make it 5-1 at the end of the game.

First game:  Eddyville 5  Chariton 1

In the first game, the Chargers scored just one run on nine hits including eight singles and a double. The boys had runners in scoring position at different times but weren't able to capitalize.  Chariton got things going in the bottom of the sixth as they loaded the bases, but no scores were made after three strikeouts.  Charlie Palmer took the loss on the mound. In six and 2/3 innings he gave up five runs, all earned, on 12 hits while striking out five and walking one.  Hockenson pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up no runs and no hits while striking out one and walking none. 

Braida went 2-3 with two singles and a walk.  Kinser went 2-3 with two singles, an RBI and a walk.  Ritenour went 1-2 with a double.  Baughman went 1-3 with a single and a walk and Wright, Hall and Peterson each went 1-4 with a single.  Heaverlo went 0-3 with two walks.  Hockenson went 0-4 with a run scored.

Second game:  Eddyville 5  Chariton 4

The Chargers rallied from a 5-1 deficit with three runs in the last two innings but came up just short.  Chariton had seven hits including a home run by Peterson, who went 2-3 with a home run a single,. a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base.  Braida went 3-3 with two doubles, a single and a run scored. 

Braida took the loss on the mound.  In three innings he gave up four runs, two earned, on seven hits while striking out four and walking none.

Baughman pitched four innings and gave up one run, which was earned, on three hits while striking out eight and walking none.

Hockenson went 1-3 with a single.  Ritenour went 1-3 with a single and a run scored.  Heaverlo went 0-2 with a run scored and two walks.  Hall and Wright each went 0-4.  Baughman went 0-3 with an RBI and a walk.  Kinser went 0-2 with an RBI.  Charlie Palmer played at first base.

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Varsity girls five game winning streak snapped with loss at Eddyville

JV Girls end season with loss to EBF

Varsity lost to EBF, 11-2, at Eddyville on July 2.  The Lady Chargers struggled at the plate with eight strikeouts and an out in the field with seven errors.  The game was the final regular season  game for the Chariton girls, who are now 9-14 overall.  

Ellie Bengtson went the distance and took the loss on the mound.  In six innings she gave up 11 runs, six earned, on 12 hits while striking out three and walking three.  She also allowed one sacrifice.

Chariton scored once in the top of the fifth to cut the lead to 5-2.  The Rockets erupted for six runs in the bottom of the sixth to push the lead to 11-2.  Chariton had seven hits at the plate.  Left fielder Kourtney Nichols went 2-3 with two singles and a sacrifice.  First baseman Kylie Bengtson went 2-4 with a single and a double, a run scored and an RBI.  Second baseman Micaela Folkerts went 1-3 with a single.  Ellie Bengtson went 1-3 with a single and reached base by error once.  Catcher Emma Fuhs went 1-3 with a single and an RBI.  Shortstop Alexis Curran went 0-2 with a walk.  Center fielder Delaney Richards went 0-2 and right fielder Emily Grismore went 0-3.  Designated hitter Nikki Vande Lune went 0-4.  Pinch hitter Maria Blong went 0-1.  Sarah Fuhs scored one run as a courtesy runner.  Chelsea McGee started at third base. 

Chariton had  18 put outs and 11 assists as a team.  Kylie Bengtson and Emma Fuhs led the team in put outs with four apiece.  Folkerts and Curran each had three and Grismore had two.  McGee and Richards each had one.  McGee, Curran and Ellie Bengtson led the team in assists with three apiece.  Kylie Bengtson and Emma Fuhs each had one.

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JV Girls closed their season with a 14-9 loss to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont at Eddyville July 2.  The JV girls led 5-4 going into the bottom of the third but gave up 10 runs and couldn't quite come back.  Chariton ended the season with a 10-7 record.

Maria Blong went 2-3 with two singles, two runs scored and three RBIs.  Kelsey Carver went 2-3 with a double, a single, a run scored and two RBIs.  Carley Arnold went 1-2 with a double and three RBIs.  Sarah Fuhs and Jessica Wiederholt each went 1-3 with a single and two runs scored.  Meredith Davis went 1-1 with a single.  Nikki Vande Lune had an RBI and scored two runs.  Mackenzie Welch pitched the first and fourth innings.  She gave up three earned runs on two hits while striking out one and walking three.  Emily McRoberts pitched the second and third innings giving up 11 runs, eight earned, on 10 hits while striking out none and walking one.  Wiederholt was the catcher for the whole game.  Chariton's defense committed three errors.
Chariton scored once in the top of the first to take a 1-0 lead.  Eddyville scored three times in the bottom of the inning to lead 3-1.  The JV Rockets added one more run in the second to lead 4-1.  Chariton rallied to score four runs in the top of the third to regain the lead, 5-4.  However, Chariton gave up way too many hits in the bottom of the third and had some errors to help the Rockets score 10 runs and take a 14-5 lead.
Chariton tried to rally with four runs in the top of the fourth but it wasn't quite enough.
The Chariton JV girls' team had many highlights this season including a winning record and a team batting average over 300.
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9th Girls end season with tie at Eddyville.  The Chariton freshman girls softball team ended their season with a 3-3 tie at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont on July 2.  The freshman girls pounded out three hits and committed just one error in the game.  The tie gave Chariton a final record of 8-4-2.
Sophia DeMaria went the distance on the mound.  In six innings she gave three runs, all earned, on seven hits while striking out six and walking none.
At the plate Shaynee McCormick went 1-3 with a double and a run scored.  DeMaria went 1-3 with a double and a run scored.  DeMaria went 1-3 with a single, a run scored and a stolen base.  She also reached base by error once.  Carlie Schaeffer went 1-3 with a single and she reached base by error.
Kendall Hardie went 0-3 and she hit into one fielder's choice.  Mackenzie Curran went 0-2 with a run scored and she was hit by a pitch.  She also hit into one fielder's choice.  Tiffany Dale went 0-2 with an RBI and a walk.  She also hit into one fielder's choice.  Saydee Terrell and Allison Summerfield each went 0-3.  Morgan Cochran and Zoey Dooley each went 0-1.

Varsity Girls Beat Centerville

From the Chariton Leader dated July 9, 2013, by Bill Howes

Five in a row!  Varsity girls beat Centerville for fifth straight win.  

The Chariton varsity girls softball team won their fifth game in a row with a 6-1 win over Centerville at Chariton, July 1.  With the win, the Lady Chargers improved to 9-13 overall with one regular season game left.

Pitcher Ellie Bengtson tossed a two-hitter and went 3-3 at the plate with two singles, a double and an RBI.  First baseman Kylie Bengtson went 3-4 with two singles and a double, a run scored and three RBIs.  Left fielder Kourtney Nichols went 2-4 with two singles, a run scored and an RBI.  Designated hitter Nikki Vande Lune went 2-3 with two singles.  

Bengtson got the win on the mound going seven innings and giving up one unearned run on two hits while striking out one and walking one.  She also allowed one sacrifice and hit one batter.

Centerville scored first in the top of the second to take a 1-0 lead.  Chariton scored once in the bottom of the third to tie the score at 1-1.  Ellie Bengtson belted a one-out double and Sarah Fuhs came in as a courtesy runner.  With two outs, Kylie Bengtson singled to score Fuhs from second to tie the game.

Chariton scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a commanding 5-1 lead.  Shortstop Alexis Curran led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch.  Ellie Bangtson singled to score Curran from second to give Chariton a 2-1 lead.  Bengtson advanced to third on a bad throw.  Sarah Fuhs came in as a courtesy runner for Bengtson and Nichols singled to score Fuhs to make it 3-1.  Kylie Bengtson doubled to score Nichols from first to make the score 4-1.  With two outs, second baseman Micaela Folkerts, doubled to score Bengtson to make it a 5-1 game.

Chariton scored their last run in the bottom of the sixth.  Ellie Bengtson smacked a two-out single and Sarah Fuhs came in as a courtesy runner once again.  Nichols hit an infield single to put runners at first and second,.  Kylie Bengtson singled to score Fuhs and give Chariton a 6-1 lead.  Catcher Emma Fuhs went 1-3 with a single, Folkerts went 1-3 with a double and an RBI.  Center fielder Delaney Richards and right fielder Emily Grismore each went 0-3.  Curran went 0-2 with a run scored and a walk.  Sarah Fuhs scored three runs as a courtesy runner.  Chelsea McGee started at third base.

Chariton had 21 put outs and nine assists as a team.  Kylie Bengtson led the team in put outs with eight.  Richards and Curran each had three.  Nichols, Emma Fuhs and Folkerts each had two.  Ellie Bengtson had one. 

McGee led the team in assists with four.  Folkerts and Ellie Bengtson each had two and Curran had one.
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JV Girls Win Over Centerville.  Carley Arnold has great night at the plate.  The girls blasted Centerville 13-1, in a three-inning game at Chariton on July 1st.  Chariton scored five runs in each of the first two innings and three in the third to coast to the win.
Carley Arnold had a great night at the plate and nearly hitting for the cycle (single, double, triple, home run).  Arnold went 3-3 with a double in the first, triple in the second and single in the third inning to score the final two runs to give Chariiton the win.  She also scored two runs and had five RBIs.
The Centerville pitcher struggled walking eight Chariton batters and giving up six hits.  Chariton had great at bats and dominated at the plate, lighting up the scoreboard like a July 4th fireworks celebration.
Emily McRoberts pitched a two-hitter on the mound to get the win.  Jessica Wiederholt was her catcher.  McRoberts gave up one earned run on two hits while striking out one and walking none.  McRoberts shut down Centerville along with her stout defense, which committed no errors.
Sarah Fuhs went 1-2 with a single and a run scored.  Wiederholt went 1-2 with a single and two runs scored.  Nikki Vande Lune went 1-3 with a single and a run scored.  Maria Blong scored three runs.  Kelsey Carver scored two runs and had an RBI.  Meredith Davis and Kendall Hardie each scored a run and had an RBI.  McRoberts had an RBI.

Chargers defeat ADM on the Road

The Chariton varsity boys got back on the winning track with an 8-0 thumping of ADM (Adel DeSoto Minburn) Adel at Adel July 3.  The Chargers pounded out eight runs on 13 hits and Alex Wright tossed a three-hitter on the mound in the win.  

The Chargers scored twice in the top of the first and five times in the second to take an early 7-0 lead.  The Chargers added one more in the fourth to go up 8-0 and coasted to the win.  

In seven innings, Wright gave up no runs and three hits while striking out two and walking two.  He also went 3-4 at the plate with three singles and two RBIs.  

Right fielder Austin Peterson went 3-4 with two doubles, a single, two runs scored and three RBIs.  Shortstop Jordan Baughman went 2-4 with a double, single, a run scored and an RBI.  Center fielder Token Hall went 1-3 with a single and a run scored.  Third baseman Brett Braida went 1-4 with a single and a run scored.  First baseman T.J. Hockenson went 1-4 with a single and an RBI.  Left fielder Ben Kinser went 1-4 with a single.  Catcher Austin Ritenour went 1-4 with a single, two runs scored and an RBI.  Second baseman Lucas Heaverlo went 0-4 with a run scored.