The Trojans (3-3) scored seven runs in the top of the first inning en route to a 14-0 three-inning demolition of the Rebels (2-4) on the road. It’s West Marshall’s second win over G-R this season.

West Marshall pitcher Loran Nicholson threw a one-hit shutout with one walk to pace the Trojans on the defensive side — but it was the base-running and hitting of West Marshall that was front and center.

Head Coach Kim Tarbell said it was one of the best overall performances of the season for the team.

“We wanted to put the ball in play and I think we did that,” Tarbell said. “Proud of our defense — it was solid, pitching was real good, so not a whole lot I can complain about.”

T-R PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING - West Marshall’s Kalyn Polley, left, follows through on an RBI double to left field during Wednesday’s game against Gladbrook-Reinbeck in Gladbrook. Polley led the Trojans with three hits in a 14-0 win.

The Trojans connected on 13 hits — four of them doubles — and a majority were line drives into gaps. The gap shots were enough to keep the team’s rallies alive and keep base-runners moving.

A stunning 11 stolen bases allowed the Trojans to keep runners in scoring positions often, and they were ruthless in capitalizing on opportunities. Kalyn Polley led the Trojans with three hits, while Avery Randall, Morgan Cripps and Renae Schaper had two hits apiece. Grace DeNeui, Payton Halverson, Lilly Buck and Lauren Solberg had one hit each to round out the numbers for West Marshall.

Tarbell was impressed with the team’s aggressive base-running performance.

“We’re finding out we’ve gotta be a little more aggressive, so this was kind of us trying it out,” Tarbell said. “It’s something we needed to work on.”

Karlie Rickert had the only hit of the night for Gladbrook-Reinbeck. Emily Else pitched 2 â…” innings and gave up 13 runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks.

T-R PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING

Gladbrook-Reinbeck committed six defensive errors. It was a difficult evening for the Rebels, but coach Laurie Seidl said there were positives to take from the performance.

“From Tuesday night to tonight, we made a lot of improvements,” Seidl said. “Our bats were moving a lot more. We’ve just gotta get a rally going so we can continue getting on base and moving those runners around.”

West Marshall rounds out its week by playing PCM Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on the road and hosting South Hardin Friday in State Center at 7 p.m. Gladbrook-Reinbeck visits Grundy Center Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

T-R PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING

T-R PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING