Four opponents defeat Monti Cubs

Four opponents, including three in Eastern Iowa Hawkeye League play, handed defeats to the Monticello Cubs in recent semi-pro baseball action. 

The first of those was Dyersville, which scored a 12-2 win over the Cubs June 30 at Dailey Field in Monticello. The Whitehawks broke open a close game with six runs in the top of the fifth inning to take a 9-2 lead. 

“This was a close game through four innings and then we couldn’t get much of anything going with the bats,” Monticello player-manager Tanner Felton said.

“They were hitting the ball well and we just could not keep up with them after the fourth inning.”

Tanner Felton batted 3-for- 3 with two doubles, and Tyler Felton was 2-for-3. 

On July 1, Monticello (2- 7, 3-11) traveled to Peosta to play Key West in a league game, and lost 6-0. The game was shortened to five innings due to incoming inclement weather. The Cubs had two hits. 

“They hit two home runs, which put the game away for them,” Tanner Felton said. “It was kind of a fast-paced game because we knew bad weather was coming in fast.” 

Monticello then played Epworth in the first round of the Rickardsville Tournament July 5, and lost 4-0. The Cubs had six hits; Lucas Stutt and Zach Monk both went 2-for- 3. A.J. Reuter allowed three earned runs and struck out eight over five innings, but took the loss. 

“A.J. pitched very well, but we just could not put enough together on offense to do anything,” Tanner Felton said. “We had 11 strikeouts as a team which played a big factor in the game. They had 1 big home run and a couple big hits when they had runners in scoring position.” 

The Cubs returned home July 7 to face the Dubuque Budweisers, and couldn’t overcome a 4-0 deficit in a 4-2 loss. Tyler Felton pitched all seven innings, allowing six hits and striking out five, but was saddled with the loss. 

“Tyler pitched well in this game,” Tanner Felton said. “We had a lot of chances with runners in scoring position to pull ahead but, could not get timely hits. We had bases loaded with no outs in the bottom of the 6th inning but did not score any runs. 

Lucas Stutt batted 3-for- 4, and Andrew Mescher was 2-for-4.