Burton had sights set on a district sweep on Thursday evening at Iola, but had to settle for a series split with the Bulldogs after a 3-1 defeat.
Thursday’s loss snapped an eight-game win streak for the Panthers, which moved to 11-3 on the season.
The Panthers found early momentum in the top of the first on an RBI double over Iola’s center fielder from catcher Braydon Martin. As frustration creeped into Iola’s dugout, junior shortstop Tyler Witt scored the opening run.
Burton did well defensively in the first inning to hold on to its lead as third baseman Ryder Biggs caught the Bulldogs trying to score with a great throw home to end the inning.
However, the Panthers were not as fortunate in the second inning. Panther junior starter Eli Jaeger allowed three singles to load the bases with one away. An error from Biggs allowed Iola to tie the game, but Jaeger induced a ground out afterward to limit the damage.
Iola took a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning on a two-RBI single into left field. The Bulldogs drew two straight walks to start the inning before a bunt single back to Jaeger loaded the bases.
Jaeger kept the damage to a minimum in the fourth after a strikeout and a fly out to left fielder Isaac Matthies.
However, Burton could not give him crucial run support in the final innings. The Panthers went down in order in each of the final two innings, striking out eight times for the majority of their nine strikeouts for the game.
Martin’s first-inning RBI double was Burton’s only hit in the game.
Jaeger went four innings and allowed seven hits, three runs and four walks. He tallied three strikeouts. Easton Witt pitched the final two innings and earned two strikeouts with just one walk and no hits allowed.
Burton will start a district series with Richards at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Richards.