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Grellner’s fireworks land Boomers title

David Grellner
Okarche’s David Grellner delivers a hit against Raytown, Mo., during the Fourth of July American Legion Tournament in Enid last week. Grellner also had four hits during the Boomers 4-0 shutout win over Enid.

By Glen Miller/Staff Writer

ENID — A midseason shuffle in the batting order paid high dividends over the weekend as the Mustang Boomers beat Enid 4-0 to win the American Legion Fourth of July Tournament at David Allen Memorial Park.

“That is the best we have played all year,” Boomers coach Shannon Enfield said, whose team improved to 17-12 overall.

“We put together seven good innings under a state tournament atmosphere. We were able to jump on them (Enid) early and keep them down and they never really made a push.”

The Boomers lineup switch ended up moving Okarche native David Grellner from the middle part of the order into the leadoff spot. Grellner, who will play for Northern Oklahoma College of Enid next year, has raised his batting average 150 points since making the jump.

“It took him a little bit to get adjusted and be successful,” Enfield said.

That success came against Enid as Grellner went 4-for-4 with a pair of triples and a stolen base and scored all four of the Boomers runs.

“Everything they threw at him he hit and hit well,” Enfield said. “He was very aggressive on the bases.”

Grellner tripled to lead off the first inning and scored on a single by Jimmy Gillespie — who moved into the two-hole after the shuffle. In the third, Grellner beat out a bunt and scored on a double by Ashley — who switched to the three-hole.

“Having those two guys (Gillespie and Ashley) back-to-back has been big. They understand what needs to be done hitting wise and they are able to get the ball in play,” Enfield said.

Mustang took a 3-0 lead in the fifth as Grellner tripled and scored on a double to right center by Ashley. The same combination hooked up in the seventh as Grellner singled, stole second and went to third when the pickoff throw hit his foot. He scored on an Ashley grounder.

Cody Davis took a no-hitter into the fifth for the Boomers, but settled for a three-hit shutout. He fanned five batters and walked one. He allowed only two runners to second and none to third.

Pool play

Mustang won its pool with a 2-1 record, taking the tiebreaker over Raytown, Mo., after beating the out-of-state visitors earlier in the tourney.

Mustang 15, Wichita, Kan. 0

The Boomers banged out 12 hits, with Grellner going 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI-double. Ashley tripled and drove in a run, while Gillespie was 2-for-3 with three runs scored.

James Madison singled and scored a run, while Ryan Johnston had two hits and Calumet’s Ethan Davis one and long with Jason West and Ky Recker.

Alex Webb drove in two runs and scored two.

Justin Vincent of Lookeba allowed four hits over five innings, striking out five and walking one.

Mustang 12, Raytown, Mo. 2

Zac Tidholm showed the Missouri squad a wicked curveball, striking out seven and allowing two runs off a pair of hits. He walked four over four innings to gain the win. Brent Crain of Lookeba struck out two batters in one inning of relief.

The Boomers bats had another 12-hit game, with Ashley and Grellner having two each – both legging out one for a double.

Cody Davis was 3-for-4 with five RBIS, including a three-run homer. Brooks McMurphy had a hit and scored twice, while Gillespie singled and scored a pair of runs.

Madison, West and Levon Lumpkin added a hit each.

Edmond Memorial 5, Mustang 4
Ashley was 1-for-4 in the loss with an RBI and a run scored. Grellner went 2-for-3 with a two-bagger and a run scored. Madison and Cody Davis had a hit each and West was 3-for-4 with a home run.

Ethan Davis shouldered the loss, allowing a run off a hit and a walk over 1 2/3 innings in relief. Crain and Cody Davis each allowed a run in relief, while Doug Carel issued two over 4 2/3 innings.