STC pitcher Rian Simpson looks to connect with Kaiden Buffalo for an out at 2nd in game one. The Trojans faced Vinton on Monday for a Wamac conference double header. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

There wasn’t much the STC Trojans could have done differently in the opening game of a WaMaC West Conference doubleheader against Vinton-Shellsburg. The Trojans played a solid and smart game against Vinton on Monday night and nearly pulled out an upset in game one. The Vikings are ranked third in Class 3A by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association and feature the most veteran lineup in the conference (eight seniors and one junior).

The Trojans came from behind in the top of the second inning to tie up the score at two apiece. They took the lead in the third and held that lead until the bottom of the 6th.

Vinton pulled away late for the 4-3 victory. The Vikings were down 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning when Conner Miracle tripled off of Rian Simpson, driving in two runs.

STC had six hits in the game. Jackson Beltz and Colton Vest each managed two hits to lead the Trojans.

Rian Simpson was at the mound for the Trojans. In his last start he threw a no hitter against Benton. He had another good night from the mound throwing 6 strikeouts, one walk and allowed eight hits. The Trojans defense also had a solid night with plays from Cam Klostermann, Vest, and Beltz who each made a remarkable play in the outfield. Carter Kriegel also made a heads-up play at first in the 6th by knocking down a grounder by shortstop Nathan Struve and preventing him from getting to first.

South Tama’s Jackson Beltz has his eye on Vinton’s pitcher. He takes a lead off of third base in anticipation to score a run for the Trojans in game one of a Wamac conference double header on Monday. Beltz had two hits in game one both of which were doubles. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

In game two the Trojans came up against Vikings senior hurler, Struve. The Trojans were once again in the game. STC took an early lead in the first inning when Lane Koch hit a sacrifice grounder that scored the first run of the game. But it slipped away quickly in the bottom of the third.

Vinton-Shellsburg scored seven runs in the third inning. Vinton-Shellsburg’s big inning was driven by doubles from Wirth and Jared Thompson, an error, a groundout , a single by Wes Edwards, and another error.

The Trojans will be at home tonight hosting Solon (8-4) for a varsity doubleheader.