The Central Clinton Sabres scored five runs on only two hits in the top of the fourth inning to break the game open and upset the Carlisle Wildcats, 7-3. Wildcats’ starting pitcher Ryan Lechtenberg hurled a complete game and was virtually in control the whole game for the Sabres. It was the third of four Iowa Class 3A state quarterfinal games at Principal Park today. Five consecutive men reached base for the Sabres, all of whom came across to score in the inning.

The first two frames on the evening were scoreless and Central was able to get on the board in the top of the third inning. Leading off the inning, Devin Daniels for Central seemed to be retired on a simple groundout, but was awarded first base on a catchers interference call. Daniels advanced to second on an errant pickoff throw by Carlisle pitcher, Jared Shoning. With two out, Shoning walked three consecutive hitters, scoring Daniels and putting the Sabres ahead 1-0.

Anthony Burke drew a lead-off walk for Central. He was sacrificed to second by Nick Green, who reached base on a throwing error by the pitcher. Daniels then drew a walk to load the bases with nobody out. Austin Lechtenberg stepped in and knocked an RBI single to give the Sabres a 2-0 lead. Brandon Jasper then blasted a bases clearing triple, widening the lead to 5-0. Jasper subsequently scored on a groundout by Scott Burke, making it 6-0 in favor of Central. Carlisle was forced to use three pitchers in the inning, one of which did not record an out.

Central was able to add another run in the top of the sixth. Jasper hit a one-out single and stole second base. Burke then singled in Jasper, padding the lead to 7-0.

Carlisle finally broke through on the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth. Derek Dunn hit a one-out single, stole second, and advanced to third on a bad throw by the Central catcher. Justin Hagedorn followed with a walk, and advanced to second on a wild pitch.
Brady Roland singled, scoring Dunn, as well as Hagedorn on an error by the left fielder. The Wildcats were on the board, but in a 7-2 hole. They were able to muster one more run in the inning via an error by the Central shortstop, making it a 7-3 game and that is how it would end.

Lechtenberg pitched all seven inning for Central and gave up only three hits, three runs (two earned), one walk and he struck out one batter. He was efficient and mixed up his pitches all evening, pushing his record to a perfect 6-0 on the season.

Central Clinton will move on to the Class 3A semifinal Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. and will play the winner of the Glenwood/Algona game later this evening. Central improved their record to 20-15 on the season, while Carlisle’s season ends with a record of 25-11.