Sports, July 17th

High School Postseason Baseball

In Class 1A Substate 6, Burlington Notre Dame took on Sigourney last night with the winner advancing to the state tournament and for four innings both teams stranded runners, leaving the game scoreless. A sacrifice fly by Eli Oleson got the Nikes on the board in the 5th inning; nevertheless, Sigourney also found their bats with Caden Clarahan slapping an RBI single and Isaac Bruns crushing a three-run homer two at-bats later.

The Nikes would score a run in the sixth on a passed ball and get two runners on in the 7th inning; ultimately, leaving 10 runners on base proved to be their downfall, losing 4-2 as Sigourney punched their first ticket to the state tournament in their program’s history set to start on Monday, July 22nd. 

Notre Dame Head coach Chris Chiprez gave credit to Sigourney but knows his team left plays out on the field,

“You know Sigourney’s a good team. You know, they battled us. I felt like we beat ourselves, to be honest with you. You know, I felt like Sigourney gave us opportunities and we didn’t capitalize on those. You know, generally we’re a good team as far as capitalizing on mistakes. We didn’t do that tonight. We had runners at second and third with less than two outs. We couldn’t get the job done and we didn’t make any plays in the field. So, I mean that’s what it boils down to in games like this you got to take advantage of every opportunity and if you don’t, you’re going to get beat.”

The Nikes will be graduating eight seniors from this class, who have compiled a record of 54-11 over the past two seasons. Coach Chiprez knows they will be greatly missed to the program,

“They’re great baseball players. They have a great work ethic. They’re great in the classroom, but above all else, I think they’re great men, you know, and they’re great role models and great leaders for the underclassmen. And I think these guys set the tone for the underclassmen and even the junior high program. You know, I know a lot of those guys look up to the seniors, so I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them, you know for what they’ve done for the program over the years.”

Burlington Notre Dame finished the season with a 28-4 record.

The other Class 1A state qualifiers were Akron-Westfield, Remsen St. Mary’s, Newman Catholic, South Winneshiek, North Linn, Lynnville-Sully, and Bedford. 

The Class 2A state qualifiers are Unity Christian, Aplington-Parkersburg, New Hampton, Wilton, Sumner-Fredericksburg, Pleasantville, Chariton, and Underwood.

In Class 3A Substate 5, Fairfield’s Tallon Bates tried to power the Trojans past Assumption last night with a late two-run homer, but the Knights were too much, winning 6-3. Aiden Westercamp added his own RBI for the Trojans. Fairfield ended the season with a 22-12 record. Assumption will face off against Central DeWitt tonight at 7 pm for the substate championship. 

High School Postseason Softball

In Class 1A Region 8, Wapello and Sigourney competed in an extra innings epic that saw the two teams trade runs in the 8th inning before Sigourney put it away, winning 2-1. Carly Goodwin pitched all 11 innings, tabbing an incredible 22 strikeouts. Sigourney advanced to the Class 1A state tournament. The Arrows finished the season with a 20-14 record.  

Other Class 1A state qualifiers: Remsen St. Mary’s, St. Edmond, Collins-Maxwell, Martensdale-St. Marys, Southeast Warren, Wayne, and Edgewood-Colesburg.

Class 3A Region 8, Central Lee was unable to pull off another upset last night, losing 6-3 to Assumption. The Hawks finished the season with a 25-11 record. The Knights advanced to the state tournament. 

For Class 4A Region 8, Burlington’s tough pitching could not overcome the offense of North Scott, losing 5-0. The Grayhounds ended the season with a 23-6-1 record. The Lady Lancers will advance to the state tournament. 

High School Cross Country

Mt. Pleasant’s optional summer runs, available for 7th through 12th graders, are scheduled Monday through Thursday. The runs will often be led by upperclassmen as coaches may not be present for every run.

On Mondays and Wednesdays the runs will start at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre and on Tuesdays and Thursdays they will be at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. 

If you have any questions, contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees was shut out by the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night 7-0. Cedric Dunnwald was the only Bee to register multiple hits as he slugged a double. Burlington will host the rematch tonight at 6:30 pm.  

The Clinton LumberKings will take on the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp tonight at 6:30 pm at home. 

This Day in Sports History

1902 – The Baltimore Orioles forfeit to St. Louis having only five players available to play; they then forfeit their franchise back to the American League.

1936 – New York Giants future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Carl Hubbell begins MLB record 24 game winning streak, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-0 at Forbes Field.

1974 – Bob Gibson becomes the second pitcher to strike-out 3,000 (Cesar Geronimo).