2nd-ranked Kingsley Pierson scored a pair of runs with two outs in the top of the 7th to beat Newell Fonda 2-0 in a 1A baseball substate final tonight (Tues) in Cherokee.
Both teams had chances, as Newell Fonda had at least one base runner in the first six innings. Of the six runners they left on base, five were in scoring position. Ty Tauber singled to start the 4th, and made it to third base after a pair of groundouts, but was left stranded after a groundout ended the inning. In the 5th, Trevor Tauber walked with one out, and then Ryan Greenfield singled. A fielders choice moved the runners to second and third, but a foul out retired the side.
The Panthers stranded ten runners on base, including at first and third in the 4th. In the 5th after a walk and single with one out, Ryan Greenfield took over pitching for Max Carlson and got out of the inning with two fly outs. KP loaded the bases with two outs in the 6th, but the Mustangs escaped after a flyout to center.
The top of the 7th began with an infield single by Conner Beelner, who made it to third after a sacrifice bunt and a sac fly. Boston Doeschot hit a double to left center to make it 1-0, and then scored on an infield single. Beelner took over pitching in the 7th and set down the Mustangs in order.
In four and a third innings, Carlson allowed three hits and walked two. Greenfield pitched the remaining two and two-thirds allowing three hits, two walks, and struck out two. KP starter Evan Neumann gave up four hits in six innings, three walks, and struck out seven.
Kingsley Pierson (27-2) advances to state for the third time in the last five years, and they’ll play in the 1A quarterfinals next Monday in Carroll.
Newell Fonda playing in their fourth substate game in five years wraps up at 23-6. The Mustangs seniors include Mason Dicks, Carter Sievers, Ryan Greenfield, and Zach Mercer.
