WATERLOO — The Marshalltown baseball team extended its good start to the season on Thursday with two wins over Waterloo East, taking the first game 15-2 in six innings and the second 14-1 in five.

Kody Ricken took the mound in game one, going all six innings while allowing seven hits and one earned run and striking out nine.

Joseph Harris toed the rubber in game two, going all five innings allowing five hits and one run while striking out five.

“In light of the fact that we play eight games in the next six days — the very best thing about tonight is the fact that we got solid complete game pitching performances from Kody Ricken and Joseph Harris,” MHS head coach Steve Hanson said. “Both Ricken and Harris were making their first varsity starts in the mound which magnifies the level of their outings. Neither pitcher walked a batter which certainly contributed to their success.”

At the plate in game one, Nate Vance went 4-for-4 with three RBIs and three runs scored, while Dru Dobbins went 2-for-4 with six RBIs and two home runs.

Wade Canaday swung the bat well in game two, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a home run. Vance also finished 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI in the second win.

“Offensively we had some individuals who had nice nights, including Dru Dobbins, Wade Canaday and Nate Vance,” Hanson said. “We ran the bases pretty well and everyone played today so those are positive takeaways.”

The Bobcats hit the road again tonight for a doubleheader against Waukee, then they are off for the weekend before hosting Cedar Rapids Kennedy on Memorial Day for their home opener.

“Waukee is a legitimate top-10 team and it’s the home opener down there,” Hanson said. “We’ll have to play well to have a chance but our guys are anxious to get at it and wrap up a busy opening week.”