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North Polk edges Marion, 2-1, in a Class 3A state baseball semifinal
The Comets advance to Friday’s championship game against Sioux City Heelan
Jul. 25, 2024 8:24 am, Updated: Jul. 25, 2024 9:14 am
CEDAR RAPIDS — Sometimes the small things can make a big difference.
Executing a bunt or producing a well-timed hit can influence an outcome.
North Polk’s ability to convert two opportunities into runs was enough to edge No. 2 Marion, 2-1, in a Class 3A state baseball semifinal Wednesday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The third-ranked Comets advance to their second straight title game and will face No. 4 Sioux City Heelan in the final Friday at 5 p.m.
“I tell them the scoreboard takes care of itself and sometimes you just have to tip your hat,” Marion Coach Steve Fish said. “We had to tip our hat to North Polk today. They beat us. It wasn’t because of our effort. It was right there from our guys.”
North Polk (28-6) has made a habit of winning close postseason games. The last four games have been decided by one run, including three straight come-from-behind wins to reach the semifinals.
“This postseason has been crazy,” North Polk starter Hunter Cook said. “For us to be on top every time is the best feeling. So, keep going. We have one more.”
Two key instances factored into the decision. The Comets capitalized on scoring chances in the fourth and fifth innings. Drew Owen was plunked to lead off the fourth and advanced on Reggie Postel’s single. Isaac Zoske’s sacrifice bunt moved Owen to third and allowed him to score the game’s first run on Reece Wrage’s groundout to second.
Chase Fjelland and Charlie Bunkers walked and Brayden Foster singled to load the bases with none out. Pinch-hitter Ethan Sanger delivered a liner to left field for an RBI single and the eventual game-winning run.
“It’s just about execution,” Fish said. “It was that tight of a game. We knew it was going to be that type of a game. They just did a little better than we did on some bunting, key hits (and) all that stuff. It just came down to a real small thing.”
Cook pitched six innings for the win, giving up four hits. Owen earned the save, striking out the side in the seventh.
“They’re a great hitting team,” Cook said. “We knew we were going to be up for a fight. Just trusting my stuff and mixing up the pitches to keep them off balance and throwing strikes. Let my defense do the work.”
The Wolves had their moments in the middle innings but couldn’t muster that well-placed hit or move runners. They stranded runners in scoring position in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, left six runners on base and had a runner doubled off base to end the third.
“We couldn’t string hits together,” Marion junior Jake Miller said. “That’s baseball. It happens.
“The game is about failure. We can learn from this, come back next year and take it all.”
Marion (32-6) received a stellar outing from starter Payton Hodges. The senior right-hander tossed a complete game, allowing just two runs on four hits and striking out four. He opened with three perfect innings.
“The mindset was to go win one,” Hodges said. “That was the goal from the start of the year. We gave it our all. Today, we just got beat.”
Hodges started Monday’s quarterfinal against Center Point-Urbana, working just one inning before a three-hour rain delay kept him from pitching further. Fish didn’t hesitate handing him the ball for the semifinal and Hodges jumped at the chance.
“To have Coach Fish to be able to say, ‘Hey, get the ball. We still trust in you.’ It’s an awesome thing,” Hodges said. “It was a fun ride. It was hard work and a lot of dedication. You put stuff together and slowly get better. You come here and you’re throwing in a state semifinal. It’s awesome.”
Hodges said he would have called you a liar had you mentioned the scenario seven months ago as he rehabbed from Tommy John surgery to correct an injury that prematurely ended his junior season. Yet here he was, perched on the mound and keeping Marion in the game
“It doesn’t surprise me one bit,” Fish said. “He’s a very passionate and driven kid.”
Hodges was just one example of Marion’s MASH unit. He returned from elbow surgery. Starting outfielders Trey Franck and Grayson Kirsch have dealt with a hamstring and knee injury, respectively. Miller has battled back pain and a rib injury that hindered his ability to swing the bat and throw the ball.
They gave it their all for a chance to return to the title game for the first time since winning the 2021 championship.
“Our whole team battles every game,” Miller said. “I think we all wanted it very badly all year long. We’ve talked about it all the time.”
Austin Goodrich scored the lone Marion run in the fifth. He doubled, moved to third on a Miller single and scored on Isaiah Scott’s sacrifice fly.
Goodrich and Miller had two hits apiece to lead the Wolves. Miller managed bunt singles and played middle infield most of the game despite the pain.
“The guts that he displayed is part of this team,” Fish said. “They’re (warriors). Jake playing is the epitome of this team.”
The Wolves return plenty of talent from this year’s team. They have the potential to be in the same situation next season. The program’s expectations is to get to state and contend for a crown.
“Hopefully, another game after this one (semifinals) and we’re winning it next year,” Miller said. “We’re all going to put in the work and come back next year and take it all.”
North Polk 2, Marion 1
CLASS 3A SEMIFINAL
North Polk 000-110-0 -- 2-4-0
Marion 000-010-0 -- 1-4-0
Hunter Cook, Drew Owen (7) and Isaac Zoske. Payton Hodges and Elijah Scott. W - Cook (6-3). L - Hodges (3-1). Sv - Owen (3). 2B - NP: Brayden Foster; M: Austin Goodrich.
Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com
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