RD Keep/North Mahaska Communications
Hunter Wernli prepares to slide into home under the Mormon Trail catcher for an early game score. He would also steal two bases and score the final run in the bottom of the fifth inning for a 14-4 North Mahaska victory.
North Mahaska hosted winless Mormon Trail at Oskaloosa Monday for the first round of the Class 1A district baseball tourney. NM scored early and often and was leading 13-0 after four innings and looked to end the game early. However, Morom Trail, who had just nine players, did not quit. In the top of the fifth and took advantage of five walks to score four runs and force NM to bat in the bottom of the fifth before the Warhawks scored for a 14-4 victory.
In the Warhawk half of the fifth Hunter Wernli walked with one out and stole second and third bases. Luke Boender ripped a ball that was erred by the first baseman, but Wernli dashed home for the win.
NM coach Kevin Kelderman knew with wins his team would have to play three games this week and needed to manage his pitching. Monday’s game was postponed from Saturday due to rain. It was moved to Oskaloosa due to field conditions.
Senior Jack Kelderman took the mound and tossed 1 2/3 innings (25 pitches) striking out two and issuing a walk. Junior Charlie Goemaat went 1 1/3 innings with two walks and two strikeouts. Another junior, Dane Van Mersbergen, struck out two in an inning of work. Senior Hunter Wernli walked five batters with four of them scoring. Rylan Spray finished up with a hit and strikeout.
Noah Arnold took the loss for the Saints. He yielded eight runs on six hits, three walks and two strikeouts.