Cascade postseason run comes to an end

Editor’s note: This story was written in Cedar Rapids

CARROLL — Cascade’s postseason run included victories over two ranked foes and its seventh state tournament appearance.

But that streak concluded in the opening round Tuesday.

Top-ranked and defending state champion Underwood tallied all its runs in the bottom of the fourth for a 3-0 victory in the Class 2A high school baseball state quarterfinals at Merchants Park.

The Eagles’ designated hitter Gavin Miles hit a three-run home run in the fourth for the winning runs. Garrett Luett drew a one-out walk and Ryker Adair singled to left to set up Miles’ decisive shot.

Luett also pitched a complete-game three-hitter with six strikeouts and no walks for the victory.

The home run was only one of three hits allowed by Cascade starter Jackson Green. He kept the Eagles hitless through the first three innings and only gave up a single to Luett in the sixth.

Mick Hoffman, Nathan Schockemoehl and Green each singled but Cascade couldn’t string multiple hits together or advance runners beyond second base.

The Cougars finish the season at 23-13.

Underwood improves to 25-2 and will face No. 4 Unity Christian (27-9) Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in the 2A semifinals. Unity Christian defeated No. 5 Mediapolis, 5-1, in the quarterfinals.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com