West Allis pounds Butler, Pewaukee

West Allis - The bats were sizzling for the West Allis Nighthawks last week.

The Nighthawks racked up 54 runs in three victories, including a sweep of Butler by scores of 20-1 and 9-5 in Land O' Lakes Eastern Division action on Sunday afternoon.

They also blasted the Pewaukee Muskies, 25-3, in the SWABA tournament on June 21, ensuring themselves of a trip to the semifinals.

Brian Stoecklein led the way in the first victory over Butler, belting a pair of home runs and driving in seven runs. Ryan Welch, Joel Hoberg and Ian Malmstadt each brought in three runs and Jason Brooks went 3-for-4 as everyone in the lineup had at least one hit.

Mike Thrun was the beneficiary of all the offense, working four innings and giving up six hits for the win.

In the nightcap, Stoecklein went 3-for-3 with another home run and three RBIs, while Brooks lined a three-run double and Andy Schwall went 3-for-4. The Nighthawks collected 18 hits for Matt Bruss, who worked four innings and allowed seven hits to get the decision.

West Allis improved to 5-4 in the Lakes East, moving into a tie for third place behind Muskego (9-1) and New Berlin (6-3).

The Nighthawks visit North Shore at noon Sunday at Stormonth Field.

The offensive barrage began with the romp over Pewaukee June 21, as West Allis plated 12 runs in the sixth inning alone.

John Stetzenbach and Cuyler Franzke each drove in four runs and David Henke three runs. Brooks, Henke and Franzke each collected three hits and Franzke did the pitching, giving up eight hits and fanning nine in seven innings.

- John Rech