A five-run seventh inning helped the Utica Association to an 8-5 victory over Jefferson in Home Talent Sunday League play on July 20 at Fischer Field.
With the win, Utica (9-4, 6-2 Southeast South), Evansville (9-4, 6-2) and Stoughton (9-4, 4-4) are all 9-4 and tied atop of the Southeast South Division standings with one Sunday League game to play. Utica will host McFarland in the regular-season finale on July 27. Stoughton will host winless Lake Mills and Evansville will head on the road to take on Jefferson.
The winner of the Southeast South Division automatically qualifies for the Home Talent Sunday League playoffs. Fort Atkinson (9-4) has already clinched the Southeast North Division title and a spot in the postseason. The two divisions also produce two wild card teams, which will be among the trio of Stoughton, Evansville and Utica.
Utica’s five-run fifth was highlighted by a three-run home run from Tyler Soule. The hit gave the A’s an 8-2 lead. Soule finished 2-for-5 with a game-high four RBIs. Derek Karlen and Ben Hildebrandt both added two hits each for the A’s.
Brock Wanninger was the winning pitcher, going seven innings. Wanninger allowed three earned runs on six hits to go along with five strikeouts. Ryan Ellingson closed out the game, allowing two hits and two runs over the final two frames.