North Mahaska stepped up a class in competition Saturday to earn a nonconference baseball split with Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and Pella Christian. North Mahaska defeated the EBF Rockets in the opener 10-4 then lost to the Eagles 10-0.
North Mahaska was able to get the bat on the ball and take advantage of nine walks and two hit batsmen to help earn the win against EBF. NM led 4-3 in the top of the sixth inning when Lucas Nunnikhoven and Dane Van Mersbergen received back-to-back walks. Nunnikhoven stole second and then the EBF pitcher balked allowing the runners to move up a base putting runners at second and third. Ryan Andersen was hit by a pitch to lead the bases. Jack Kelderman singled and Carter Lake drove in a run on a groundout.
NM was up 6-3. The Rockets scored a run in the bottom of the sixth inning then NM added four more insurance runs in the seventh.
Andersen led the NM offense with a double and three RBI. Van Mersbergen hit two singles to drive in two and Lake had a single with an RBI.
Nate Sampson earned the win going 5 1/3 innings allowing three rims on three hits, five walks and three strikeouts. Carson Doak finished the game allowing a run on two hits and two strikeouts.
In game two it was the Pella Christian defense that kept the Warhawks at bay. NM managed just six baserunners as Logan Galagher and Garrett Weilard combined for a no-hitter. NM had runners reach third base but could not score.
Tyson DeVries was hit a by a pitch to open the game for the Eagles. With two out and two runners on base Grant Kelderman drilled a 3-run homerun. The Eagles added two in the second, two in the third and two in the fourth. A walk, error and intentional walk set of a Caleb Arendonk single which ended the game early.
Jaxon Vander Veer took the loss for NM allowing four runs on seven hits, five walks, two hit batsmen and two strikeouts.
Charlie Goemaat finished the final 2 1/3 innings.
North Mahaska will return to action with four games at home next week. They host Keota Monday, Cardinal on Tuesday, Twin Cedars Thursday and Belle Plaine on Friday.