Delano gets 9 strikeouts from Zach Iten in 4-2 win

The Delano Athletics opened the Cannon Falls Tournament on Saturday morning with a 4-2 opening round victory over the Pine Island Pioneers.

It was a great day for Athletics rookie pitcher, Zach Iten as he struck out nine batters to carry the Athletics to a victory in seven innings.

The Athletics used an interesting formula to win the game as they score all four of their runs in the first inning backed up by flawless, while committing no errors.

In the first inning, Jeff Althoff reached safely on a hit by pitch, Adam Schleper singled, [Joey Althoff] moved them over with a sacrifice bunt, and Trevor Jaunich walked to load the bases for Ryan Hayes.  Hayes would rip a first pitch fastball to the left-center-field gap for a stand up double, scoring Jeff Althoff, Adam Schleper and advancing Trevor Jaunich to third base. Jesse Berg would hit a sacrifie fly to left field scoring Jaunich from third and the Athletics would lead 3-0. John Magee would single and score Hayes and the Athletics would lead 4-0 after just one inning of play.

The Pioneers would in the seventh, scoring one run to cut the lead in half, but Iten managed to shut the door. Iten (3-0) scattered eight hits in seven innings, striking out nine, and walked three.

Offensively, Adam Schleper was 3-for-3 and John Magee was 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Athletics will resume play in the Cannon Falls Tournament this afternoon at 4:45 p.m. as they take on the Metro Merchants in the winners bracket game.