Magruder's slam leads Lone Tree to 10-0 playoff win

LONE TREE

Olivia Magruder was not supposed to swing at the pitch.

She did. Good thing. After the ball rocketed over the outfield fence for a grand slam in the opening inning of an Iowa 1A Regional quarterfinal-round game Wednesday, Magruder danced around the bases for her second homer of the season and celebrated with her teammates at home plate.

The home run fueled Lone Tree’s 10-0 win over Janesville, a game that lasted just 3.5 innings due to the mercy rule.

“She missed the sign,” said Lone Tree head coach Madison Coleman, who was standing in the third base coaching box flashing signs to Magruder and the three Lions baserunners on base. “I actually gave her a ‘take.’”

The win advanced Lone Tree (14-9) to a Regional semifinal game Friday at No. 2-ranked Clarksville (22-7). The Indians, defending state champs, defeated Montezuma in the quarterfinal round, 3-1.

A victory Friday would send the Lions to the Region 1 title game Monday at Highland or Don Bosco.

After Magruder’s home run started things out Wednesday, the Lions scored five runs in the second inning and one run in the third to close out their second 10-run win in their last three games.