LITTLEFORK — In a matchup between rivals going in opposite directions, International Falls trounced Littlefork-Big Falls 11-1 in six innings Tuesday.
The overmatched Vikings (3-13) actually scored first in the bottom of the first and loaded the bases on Falls starter Chris Little, but the junior settled down and faced just one over the minimum over the final five innings. He struck out five and had no walks in a complete game.
“After that performance in the first inning, we had to pick it up,” said Broncos senior Mike Menard. “We didn’t want to lose to Littlefork.”
Broncos head coach Vic Heinlen wouldn’t blame the blustery and chilly temperatures for the slow start, but was glad his team got back on track after a lackluster first inning.
“We weren’t sharp in the first inning. That’s saying enough,” he said.
The Broncos seem to be back on track record-wise, as well. After suffering two losses last Wednesday to abruptly halt an undefeated season, the Broncos rebounded over the weekend with two impressive victories in the John Deyak Tournament in St. Cloud. Tuesday’s performance was another strong effort — minus the first inning — and moved the Broncos to 13-2 on the season.
“We got our confidence back, that’s for sure,” Menard said. “We’re looking to come out strong and hopefully go to state.”
Menard led a strong offense against the Vikings, knocking in four and reaching base four times. He had a rare three-run single in the fifth inning to make it 10-1, and added an RBI single off Cory Ecklund’s glove at shortstop in the sixth to make it 11-1. He also scored twice. Willie Corrin finished 3-for-3 with a double, two runs and two RBIs and Little knocked in two.
“When this team is clicking, we’re hitting the ball with runners on and we’re disciplined at the plate,” Heinlen said.
Paul Imhof took the loss for L-BF, surrendering five runs on five hits in three innings. Justin Franz tossed the final three innings, giving up six runs on three hits. Paul Imhof had a hit and a run, while Mason Imhof, Franz and Jared Ecklund each tallied a hit for the Vikings, who return to action Thursday at Mesabi East.
The Broncos travel today to Hermantown before finishing the regular season at home Thursday.
