SPORTS SHORTS: Redhawks’ eight-run eruption eliminates Orioles
TRAER — The North Tama baseball team broke open a close game with an eight-run eruption to eliminate Springville, 10-2, in Saturday’s Class 1A District 9 opener at Jerry Lister Field.
The Redhawks (15-11) led 2-1 through four innings before busting loose in the fifth, tallying eight runs to take command for good. Springville (3-19) added a run in the seventh to shrink the final deficit.
North Tama seniors Henry Hansen and Tyler Popelka combined to pitch a three-hitter. Hansen allowed one run on one hit and two walks over three innings, striking out six, while Popelka allowed one run on two hits and four total walks over four innings. He struck out four.
The ninth hitter in the Redhawk lineup — Kayvin Morris — delivered at the plate by going 2-for-3 with a double, a run and four RBIs to lead the team. North Tama notched just six hits but capitalized on four walks and five Springville errors.
Kayler Morris was 1-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Gavin Rausch was 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run. Popelka singled in a run and Hansen contributed an RBI double to the cause.
North Tama advances to host Maquoketa Valley (14-10) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Traer.
Gaels overtake Rebels late in district opener
FORT DODGE — The Gladbrook-Reinbeck baseball team surrendered three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and suffered a 3-2 loss to Fort Dodge St. Edmond in Saturday’s first-round game in Class 1A District 6 bracket.
The Rebels (3-21) led 2-0 through five innings before the host Gaels (8-13) got on the board with a three-spot in the home half of the sixth. A two-run double by Kinnick Henning was the decisive blow for St. Edmond.
G-R junior pitcher Drew Eilers allowed two earned runs on three hits and six total walks while striking out 10 in the complete-game performance.
Isaac Clark was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for the Rebels, who got just four hits. Hudson Clark singled and scored, while Cameron Sieh added a single.
Hayden Derrig went the distance on the mound for the Gaels, giving up one earned run with three walks and six strikeouts.
Top-ranked Trojans rally past No. 2 Lions, 6-5
STATE CENTER — The Class 2A No. 1 West Marshall baseball team closed out its regular season with a 6-5 victory over second-ranked Des Moines Christian, 6-5, on Friday night at Schilling Field.
The Trojans (33-2) trailed 5-3 after four innings before scoring three times in the home half of the fifth to take the lead for good.
Beckham DeSotel pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to earn the win. He allowed one hit and one hit batter while striking out eight. Grayson Shaver allowed five runs — two earned — on four hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings, striking out three, as the starter.
Caden Pfantz went 2-for-3 with a run scored to lead the West Marshall offense. Evan Siegert hit an RBI double and scored twice, while DJ Ridout was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run. AJ Dee was 1-for-3 with an RBI, while DeSotel drove in a run and scored once. Owen Siegert was walked or plunked four times, scoring a run.
Robert Oliver took the loss on the mound for Des Moines Christian (29-4), allowing three runs — one earned — on three hits and four walks while striking out one. Jack Schmaltz led the Lions at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two walks and an RBI.
West Marshall hosts Hudson (17-9) in 2A District 3 semifinal action Tuesday at 7 p.m. Grundy Center and Aplington-Parkersburg play in the 5 p.m. game.