April 18, 2024

Blue Devils advance to 1A semifinals

Newman’s big inning sinks CAM on Friday

By LARRY PETERSON
Image 1 of 2

Martensdale-St. Marys senior Kevin Duncan delivers a pitch against Hudson in Saturday's Class 1A state quarterfinal game at Principal Park. Duncan pitched 5 2/3 innings in relief and picked up the victory as the Blue Devils advanced with a 7-4 win. (CNA photo)

DES MOINES — A big four-run sixth inning pushed the Martensdale-St. Marys Blue Devils over Hudson, 7-4, in the Class 1A state quarterfinals Saturday at Principal Park.

Akron-Westfield followed with a 5-4 victory over Lisbon in Saturday’s second game. Martensdale-St. Marys will face Akron-Westfield in Thursday’s second semifinal game scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The first semifinal game pits top-seeded Mason City Newman Catholic against defending state champion Remsen St. Mary’s at 11 a.m.

Friday’s action included a stunning 5-1 victory by St. Mary’s over top-ranked North Linn. Newman Catholic rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the CAM Cougars, 10-2.

Kevin Duncan worked 5 2/3 innings of relief in gaining the victory for Martensdale-St. Marys Saturday. He was one of three hurlers appearing in relief of starter Brady Gavin. Bret Barnett and Aaron Allsup also saw mound duty.

Gavin and Barnett each finished 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Designated hitter Jack Franey was 3-for-3 with a run scored and one RBI. The Blue Devils finished with 13 hits.

Hudson bows out of its first state tournament since 2002 at 18-17. Martensdale-St. Marys (40-4) is seeking its fifth state title and first since 2013.

Newman Catholic, meanwhile, is in the state field for the 10th straight year, which is an all-class best, and in its 21st state tournament. Newman improved to 33-3 on Friday as CAM ended its season at 22-8.

Newman rallies

After CAM took a 2-0 lead, Newman roared back with a nine-run fifth inning to take control of the quarterfinal game. Evan Paulus pitched a complete game with 10 strikeouts. He also hit a two-run homer for the Knights.

CAM starting pitcher Nick Holste had a solid outing, allowing just one run in 3 2/3 innings with five strikeouts. Thomas Hensley and Austin Chester had CAM’s two hits with Marcus Daugherty and Hensley each scoring a run in CAM’s first inning.