GRANGER — A Reese Jamison two-run double in the second inning and a masterful pitching performance from Alex Bice carried Woodward-Granger over West Marshall Thursday in a non-conference battle between two highly-regarded teams.
The Trojans (25-5) and host Hawks (22-7) were for many years rivals in the old HOIAC but have rarely met since. Thursday’s tussle was a close affair throughout, with W-G emerging on top, 3-1.
The hosts scored once in the first before pushing their edge to 3-0 with a two-run second. West Marshall plated a run in the top of the seventh but it was not enough to alter the outcome.
Bice went 6-2/3 innings, yielding an unearned run on three hits and two walks while striking out seven. Jay Dorenkamp struck out the final batter.
Bryce Achenbach had two hits, two stolen bases and a run scored, with Hunter Pifer also scoring. Tate Lettow, Joe Rhodes and Pacey Moats also had hits for W-G.
Nat Markle threw all six frames for the Trojans. He was touched for three unearned runs on seven hits while striking out two.
Brayden Evertson had two hits and Josh Larsen one for West Marshall. Ryan Reyerson walked and scored, with Jake Tollefson also drawing a base on balls.
W-G will host the winner of Saturday’s Class 2A District 12 game between Colfax-Mingo and host Pleasantville Tuesday at 7 p.m. The district final will be played in Granger July 20 at 7 p.m. with Des Moines Christian awaiting either Madrid or Woodward Academy in the other half of the bracket.
The Substate 6 Final will be played July 23 at 7 p.m. in Nevada. Dike-New Hartford and South Hamilton are the two teams to earn byes in the district 11 bracket.
