The Vermilion Ironhawks won’t have to wait long to get back in action after a productive week in Florida.
If field conditions allow, the community college baseball team will be in action both Saturday and Sunday on the artificial turf in Aurora, with four more games coming up later in the week near Des Moines, Iowa.
Vermilion (5-8) meets Minnesota rival Central Lakes at 2 p.m. Saturday, while Dawson (Mont.) is at Aurora Sunday for an 11 a.m. twinbill. The Montana school also tangles with Mesabi as part of a trip to the Iron Range.
The Ironhawks, who have been idle since a March 10 Florida split with Schoolcraft (Mich.) are itching to get back on the field and get more action in prior to the start of Northern Division play in April.
Vermilion picked up three wins during its Florida swing and had opportunities to nab at least two more victories during the stretch, showing off impressive pitching depth in the process.
Three pitchers, including North Woods graduate and former Ely Legion standout Louie Panichi, combined to hold Schoolcraft to eight hits in a 9-4 victory at Auburndale, FL.
Sophomore reliever Jo Jo Taverna worked three-andtwo- thirds innings on the mound to gain the victory, and fellow sophomore and fellow Bloomington Jefferson graduate TJ Frein earned a four-out save.
At the plate, Frein provided some spark from the number-two spot in the order, scoring three runs while collecting two hits.
Leadoff man Brandon Rucka also scored three runs and collected two hits, while Caiden Peters added two hits and Griffin Stiel finished with two runs batted in.
Martin Cubillan also singled in a run for the Ironhawks.
In the nightcap, Charlie Mohr tripled and scored a run but Schoolcraft scored seven third-inning runs on the way to a 15-2 win.
• So far, Itasca has the best record of any Northern Division team at 8-2, with Mesabi (2-2), Vermilion (5-8), Rainy River (5-9), Northland (7-15) and Hibbing (0-5).
The top-three finishers in division play move on the regional playoffs in mid-May.
