Jackson Busch

GILMAN — Jackson Busch drove in the game-winning runs with a two-out single down the left-field line, lifting the East Marshall baseball team to a 3-2 victory over Gladbrook-Reinbeck in Friday’s Class 1A District 4 opener.

G-R left fielder Treyvon Herron fell down trying to make a play on the fly ball, nearly bringing it in as the Rebels (9-15) were unable to advance. East Marshall (11-15) scored its sixth-consecutive victory despite trailing 2-1 entering the final frame.

The Mustangs trailed 1-0 before scoring in the fourth inning, when Gavin Gaschler plated Cael Neuroth with a sacrifice fly to center field.

The Rebels regained their one-run lead when Herron stole third and scored on the errant throw down, putting G-R up 2-1 in the sixth.

In the seventh, Austin Crandon reached on a one-out single and Eli Burns was hit by a pitch. With two outs, Busch delivered the walk-off winner.

Busch earned the win for his one inning of relief work, hitting a batter while striking out two. Nathan Frye went the first six frames, allowing two runs — one earned — on four hits and four total walks while striking out three.

G-R’s Chad Gutknecht pitched all 6 2/3 innings in a losing cause, walking four while striking out three.

Cael Neuroth went 2-for-3 with a run to lead the Mustang offense, while Blake Neuroth hit a double. Gaschler and Burns both added singles.

East Marshall advances to face Don Bosco (23-5) in Tuesday’s district semifinals at 5 p.m. at Wapsie Valley High School near Fairbank.