Le Mars, Iowa — The Heelan Crusaders edged the Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley Nighthawks 1-0 in 8 innings on Wednesday night in Le Mars and earned a trip to the State Tournament.
A pitchers duel ensued throughout regulation. After 7 innings of work, and an hour weather delay, the game was still tied at 0-0. Heelan put 2 men on base in the bottom of the 8th, and Tom Schiltz hit a line drive down the right field line to drive in the winning run to come away with the 1-0 victory.
Colin Kasperbauer got the win for the Crusaders. In 2 1/3 innings of work, Kasperbauer struck out 6 batters.
The loss went to Jackson Mulder, who gave up 1 hit in the bottom of the eighth. Zach Noble went 7 innings, giving up three hits, walking 7 and struck out 5.
With the win Heelan improves to 31-12 on the year and heads to the State Tournament. The Nighthawks end their year at 18-9.
