FAIRVIEW TWP — It was raining. It was pouring.

But the Karns City baserunners certainly weren't snoring.

The Gremlins recorded eight stolen bases, moved up on wild pitches and passed balls five times and had two hitters reach base after striking out in a 16-6 win over Union Wednesday that was played in a steady rain.

Karns City also won the continuation of a suspended game, 12-7.

Between the three innings the teams played to finish the first game and the five innings played in the nightcap, the Gremlins stole 12 bases.

Even Robin Hood would have been impressed.

"Knowing that any ball they were picking up was going to be wet, we were going for it," said Karns City baseball coach Tom Stewart. "We have to take the game to them. If they start getting us out, you tip your hat to them. You just have to keep the pressure on them."

Karns City had plenty of runners to work with as the Gremlins rapped out 15 hits and took advantage of eight Union errors.

Still, the Golden Knights led 4-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning before things went horribly awry as the conditions worsened.

"We seem to have our moments when we play good baseball," said Union coach Doug Kriebel. "Then something happens. We need to learn to take it to the next level. When we get in a close game, it seems like instead of going up, we go down."

When the suspended game resumed in the top of the fifth inning, Karns City held a 6-4 lead.

But the Gremlins scored seven unanswered runs to take a 12-5 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh.

The second game followed the same script.

After falling behind by a run, Karns City scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth innings, keyed by a two-run single by Devin Collins, then added nine more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to end the game.

Matt Ellsworth had two doubles in the final inning. The senior has been the Gremlins' utility man this season. He started the second game in right field, but has played several different positions.

"He had a big night," Stewart said. "Matt's been doing a lot of platooning and playing where we need him. ... Tonight, he had an opportunity to start and made the most of it."

After getting shut out by Moniteau Tuesday, Stewart was happy that his hitters made the most of things, too.

"We needed that," Stewart said. "The bats have been silent the last couple of games. I told the players this was probably the best I've seen them in their two-strike approach."

Patrick Foster picked up the win in relief of Brian Best, who had an interesting day on the mound.

Best finished the suspended game, then stayed on the mound to start the second contest — literally.

The second game started two minutes after the suspended game ended. Best only briefly left the mound, getting six outs in a five-minute span.

Union 101 22x x — 6 9 8Karns City 300 49x x — 16 15 2W: Patrick Foster (3 IP) 3 K, 2 BB.

L: Travis Anthony (4 IP) 2 K, 1 BB.

Union (3-8): D.J. Ethriedge 2B, 1B; Scott Booth 1B, RBI; Travis Anthony 2B; Neil Scott 1B, RBI; Brennan Bliss HR, RBI; Trent Corle 2B, RBI

Karns City (7-6): Cody Williams 2-1B, RBI; Joe King 3-1B, 2-RBI; Matt Ellsworth 1B, 2-2B, RBI; Devin Collins 2-1B, 3-RBI

Today: Karns City at West Forest; Clarion-Limestone at Union