The Remsen St. Mary’s baseball team advanced to the state semifinal round for the sixth year in a row with a 10-6 victory over North Linn on Monday in Carroll.
The Hawks found themselves in early trouble allowing North Linn to score two runs in the top of the first inning. Head coach Dean Harpenau says that meant the guys had to answer, and they did.
Remsen St. Mary’s went on to score six runs in the bottom of the first that gave them the lead for good. The big six-run inning was a team effort with everyone getting good plate appearances and working five walks in the inning. Braxton Kneip says the unpredictable nature of the Hawk offense makes them a tough group to pitch to.
The Hawks continued to put their foot down getting another run in the second and three more in the third. Coach Harpenau says those innings were the result of guys stepping up in a big way.
The last two runs for the Hawks came on a two-run moon shot off the bat of Hunter Pick. It was Pick’s first home run of the season, and he says he knew it was gone right off his bat.
Those middle innings with big runs prove that the Hawks are a battle-tested bunch. Kneip says all the competition in all sports has prepared them well for big moments like those high-scoring innings.
Collin Homan got the start on the mound and was able to settle in only allowing one more run after the two-run first. Coach Harpenau says he had confidence in Homan that he would not fall away after a rough first inning.
The Hawks advance with a 24-4 record to the semifinals. If the Hawks are to make it further along, Pick says it will take some strong fundamentals to put the pressure on the opponents.
Newman Catholic is the opponent for Remsen St. Mary’s on Wednesday. Coach Harpenau says they do so many things well that it will take a complete game from his guys to get to the championship game.
Remsen St. Mary’s matchup with Newman Catholic is set for 4:30 PM on Wednesday evening. KLEM Radio will have live coverage of the game on-air and online.
