ELY – The Wolves beat Mt. Iron-Buhl twice in the regular season but the Rangers won when it counted as they rallied to beat Ely 2-1 in extra innings.

It was a pitchers’ duel from start-to-finish, with strong defensive play on both sides that kept the game tight through seven innings. After Ely took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth the Rangers added one of their own in the top of the fifth. The Wolves had a chance to take the lead in the sixth but an Ely runner was called out at home on a very close play.

After each team went scoreless in the seventh it was on to extra innings. Mt. Iron-Buhl scored a runner from third on a hard-hit line shot that was just out of reach of Ely’s defense. Ely was unable to score in the bottom half, to bring their 9-8 season to a close.

In late regular season action, Ely topped Silver Bay 7-2 last Thursday with both teams playing for home field advantage.

“We played very well defensively against a very good opponent,” said Ely Head Coach Tom McDonald. “They hit the ball hard but we made all of the plays to get the win.”

Starting pitcher Jenna Merhar struck out four and gave up just one earned run. She also helped her cause by hitting her first career home run.

McCartney Kaercher had two hits including a big three-run double to break the game open in the fourth inning.