ELY— A slow start didn’t keep the fourth-seeded Timberwolves from notching back-to-back wins here on Tuesday to advance in the Section 7A baseball tournament. “It took a while to get going in our first game versus Carlton,” said Ely Head Coach Frank Ivancich. “We really struggled those first four innings.”
While the Wolves had routed Carlton 22-4 and 28-0 earlier in the season, they clung to a narrow 4-2 lead through four and a half innings. The fifth inning turned the tide, however, as sophomore Caid Chittum ignited a spree with a single to open what proved to be an eight-run, eight-hit inning capped with a RBI double by junior Drew Marolt to ten-run the Raptors 12-2.
Ivancich said the Wolves just needed to loosen up. “Sometimes you try so hard not to make a mistake that you play with a tightened up feel rather just go out and play,” he said.
Junior Elliot Levens notched the win for Ely, allowing just one hit in four innings pitched, while striking out six and issuing five walks. Freshman Jack Davies pitched the final frame for Ely, allowing no runs.
Chittum and senior Preston Hines both had big days at the plate, with three hits apiece, while seniors Joey Bianco, Logan Loe, and Erron Anderson added two hits apiece.
In the nightcap, Marolt dominated on the mound for Ely as the Wolves topped Mt. Iron-Buhl 6-0.
“We played really well, but Drew had a lot to do with that,” said Ivancich. “He was just great on the mound—in command and in control.” 
Meanwhile, Ely put points on the board in the second, third, and fourth innings enroute to the win. Bianco led the Wolves in game, ripping three hits and scoring twice. Chittum and Anderson added two hits each while Chittum added two RBIs to his totals.
“We got some key contributions from our leaders today, Joey, Logan, Caid, and Erron all came through today in key situations,” said Ivancich.
The going will now get harder for the Timberwolves. They’ll face top-seeded South Ridge in the quarterfinal round on Thursday, at 11 a.m., at South Ridge.