Pella Christian softball used their first big inning of the season to earn their third win in an 8-4 win over Knoxville, as heard live on both KNIA and KRLS Thursday evening.

The Eagles scored seven runs in the bottom of the 4th inning, peppering six hits and taking advantage of a key Knoxville error early in the 11-batter frame.

P.C. held off a 6th Panthers inning charge, wiggling out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam with a bit of confusion and controversy to end the inning. Knoxville’s players and coaches did not see the infield fly rule called with one out, and Natalie Harrill threw out a runner charging at the plate for out number three, ending the potential rally.

Danielle Vandevoort of the Eagles threw the first 4 ⅓ innings and came to get the final six outs to earn the win, striking out four and allowing six hits. Chloe Morgan of Pella Christian finished with three hits and an RBI, and seven different Eagles scored. Knoxville’s Alex Griggs knocked out a solo home run, and Charlie Vermeer and Anna Sanderson each had a pair of hits.

Knoxville travels to No. 5 in Class 3A Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont for a single conference tilt tonight.

Pella Christian is heading across town to begin the second leg of the conference season against Pella. Hear game two of the twin bill live on 92.1 KRLS, kniakrls.com, and the free KRLS mobile app, while the nightcap of the baseball contest between the Eagles and Dutch is available on the KNIA2 stream at KNIAKRLS.com.