The Le Mars Community baseball team gave the state’s 10th-ranked team a tough test but ultimately fell by a score of 3-2 to Sergeant Bluff-Luton on Monday afternoon.
Gavin Clarey set the tone early for the Bulldogs with a great pitching outing. He was perfect the first time through the Warrior order and only allowed one walk through the first five innings. Head coach Trent Eckstaine says he was controlling and utilizing his pitches well.
Le Mars gave Clarey some run support midway through the game with a pair of runs scored in the fourth inning. That inning saw the Bulldogs start their lineup over a second time. Coach Eckstaine says the guys communicated well in preparation for their second at-bats at the plate.
Unfortunately, Sergeant Bluff-Luton clawed back scoring two runs in the sixth and adding another run in the seventh to take the lead and win the game. The Bulldogs had a couple of defensive misplays that ultimately hurt their chances at holding the lead. Coach Eckstaine needs to see his guys keep the confidence high that they can make good plays defensively.
The Bulldogs are entering the final week and a half of the season with postseason play beginning on Friday, July 11. Coach Eckstaine says it has been a slow climb this year, but the guys are looking to keep putting good things together to win ball games.
The Bulldogs also played No. 9 MOC-Floyd Valley on Monday night and lost 17-3 in five innings. Le Mars is now 2-24 overall and 2-22 in the MRAC.
