It was State Championship Saturday with baseball champions being crowned in all classes in Des Moines.
State Championships
Class 1A
#5 Don Bosco, Gilbertville 3, #6 Newman Catholic, Mason City 2
For the first time since 1978, the Dons are state champs. Don Bosco took down Newman 3-2 in the 1A title game Saturday. The Dons denied the Knights’ quest for a four-peat with an offensive boom in the bottom of the sixth.
Don Bosco’s Charlie Hogan entered Saturday’s contest with just three hits all season, one of which coming earlier in the state tournament. But on Saturday, the junior connected on a pair of big-time hits, including the go-ahead RBI double in the bottom of the sixth. Hogan finished a perfect 2-for-2 from the plate Saturday.
Class 2A
#1 Van Meter 6, #6 Des Moines Christian 0
For the first time in school history, the Bulldogs are back-to-back state champions.
Van Meter defeated Des Moines Christian 6-0 in the 2A championship Saturday, claiming the school’s second title in as many years.
The Bulldogs kept the Lions quiet for the entire game. Van Meter arm Anthony Potthoff pitched a shutout Saturday, tossing a full seven scoreless innings. Potthoff struck out eight batters and walked just two. He allowed four hits.
Class 3A
#4 Norwalk 8, #3 Gilbert 6
Norwalk won its first state tournament in more than 10 years, taking down Gilbert 8-6 on Saturday.
Gilbert made things interesting in the final inning when the Tigers scored five runs in the final inning, but Norwalk hung on for its first championship since 2009.
Gilbert’s late rally came after Norwalk pitcher Tucker Christensen left the mound. Christensen struck out 12 Tiger batters and only gave up five hits in six full innings.
Class 4A
#1 Johnston 11, #2 Ankeny 8
Johnston clinched its fifth title in program history with an 11-8 win over Ankeny in the 4A state championship game.
The Dragons rallied from a 7-3 deficit, outscoring the Hawks 8-1 over the game’s final three innings.
After a three-run fifth inning, Johnston’s offense caught fire in the sixth. The Dragons scored five runs in the inning, starting with an RBI single from Gabe Swansen. Jacob Wolver plated Swansen moments later with a single of his own and Jack Hutchison drove in another run with a perfect bunt. Spencer Campadilli was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, bringing in another run.
Johnston added two more runs, and Ankeny would never counter.
