Home sweet home for Iowa City Regina in district baseball opener

IOWA CITY — Levi Quinlan arrived at Iowa City Regina’s baseball field with some extra equipment in hand.

He had his glove, cleats and bat. The Regina senior also brought a squeegee, a leaf blower and extension cords Monday afternoon.

The Regals had to get their field shaped up on short notice when Mediapolis’ diamond was unplayable for the Class 2A District 11 first-round games that were already postponed Saturday.

“It was an all hands on deck thing,” Quinlan said about the effort to prepare the field for one more home game. “It was nice we got one more chance at home.”

Regina capitalized on the opportunity, topping West Burlington, 6-2, in its final home game of the season and advancing to the district semifinals against fourth-ranked Mid-Prairie (17-7) Tuesday at Wellman.

Regals Coach Steve Pacha received notice the Mediapolis diamond was under water. He jumped at the opportunity to host when it was offered.

Pacha said it took two to three hours over field work, laughing when he said he made 230 phone calls to organize everything.

“I love this place,” Pacha said. “Anytime we can pack the hill I’m all for it.”

The Regals (14-14) seemed excited and comfortable in their surroundings. They scored four in the second inning to take the lead for good.

“We came out with a lot of energy,” said Regina senior Declan McCoy, who had a two-run single during that frame. “That was the biggest thing.”

Jack Clark added a run-scoring single to bring in Danny Gavin, who drove in Sean Nugent for the final run in the fourth. Gavin and Clark led Regina with two hits apiece.

Quinlan got the nod on the mound. He pitched six innings, allowing just two runs — one earned — on seven hits. Quinlan delivered out pitches to strand runners in scoring position three times.

The key was getting ahead in the count.

“It was about first-pitch strike every time,” Quinlan said. “When they got on base, I had to stay quick to the plate. My slider was on. It’s a lot different outcome when it is working.”

Regina turned three double plays, including two to end the Falcons at-bat. The Regals committed just one error and benefited from clean play.

“The defense played really good,” Quinlan said. “It was nice to get out of innings.”

Jace Figeuero had two hits and scored once to lead West Burlington (13-10).