C.R. Jefferson wins pitchers’ duel against seventh-ranked C.R. Washington

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Jefferson Coach Kyle Rodenkirk hasn't seen many smiles from Chase Keeney.

Actually, the first might have come when Rodenkirk mentioned it to the J-Hawks' sophomore right right-hander.

Keeney had plenty of reason to be happy, but he was all business Monday night, throwing a two-hitter and helping Jefferson to a 2-1 victory over Class 4A seventh-ranked Cedar Rapids Washington at Lower Kingston.

'He pitched like a five-year starter,' Rodenkirk said. 'He doesn't ever let the game get bigger than what it is and keeps the same aura about him. He's a gamer so we're happy he's on our side.'

Keeney demonstrated some resolve, falling in a 1-0 hole in the top of the first. He stifled the Warriors the rest of the game, allowing just one hit and three total base runners the final six innings.

'I felt like I located pretty well,' said Keeney, who improved to 5-0 and lowered his 1.08 earned-run average. 'I just had to hit the corners. Just don't locate right down the middle.'

The Warriors advanced runners to third base twice. Keeney induced an inning-ending ground ball in the second and stranded the tying run with a strikeout to close the fourth. He remained unfazed by the pressure situation.

'I'm just always calm,' Kenney said. 'Nothing ever really bothers me, even when they're yelling and stuff. Just always calm.'

Keeney closed strong, retiring the final seven batters in order and 12 of the last 13 he faced after Jefferson took the lead.

'Usually in the middle of the game I'm getting stronger,' Keeney said. 'At the end, I didn't feel like I was getting tired.'

Senior Tyler Unkel was a catalyst for the Jefferson offense. He scored twice before registering an official at-bat.

The speedy senior walked in the first and reached second on a walk to Willie Guy. Brayden Frazier's sacrifice bunt moved him to third for Connor Van Scoyoc, who followed with an RBI single, tying the game 1-1.

Jefferson (14-11, 11-6) manufactured a run when Unkel was hit by a pitch to lead off the third. Unkel advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and fly ball to right field. He raced home on a wild pitch to give the J-Hawks a 2-1 lead.

Rodenkirk moved Unkel into the leadoff spot after the Metro tournament and now he leads the J-Hawks with 24 runs this season.

'He's one of those happy-go-lucky kids the team feeds off,' Rodenkirk said. 'He's one of our leaders and I thought let's put him in the leadoff spot. He's going to create chances to get on base. That's what we're looking for the guys behind him.'

Washington's Drew Dostal had the Warriors' only two hits. He drove in Brady Bunten with an RBI double in the first. Dostal also threw six strong innings for the Warriors (15-8, 10-6). Dostal surrendered just three hits.

'It was a good close game,' Rodenkirk said. "Five combined hits. ... That was a tight game. Dostal threw well for them and we were lucky enough to get the hits when we needed.'

Jefferson will play at Washington Tuesday. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com