Prairie overcomes rough start to edge Linn-Mar, 5-4 (w/video)

CEDAR RAPIDS - They couldn't have asked for a worse start. Though the result made up for it.

The Cedar Rapids Prairie Hawks refused to let the best season in school history die last night, rebounding from a four-run hole before their first at-bat to rally past Linn-Mar, 5-4, in a Class 4A substate semifinal at a steamy Prairie diamond.

A Cinderella group of Hawks made it to the state tournament in 2005, but no Prairie team has won more than the 26 games this one has. It can make it to state, too, if it upsets second-ranked Mason City in a substate final Wednesday night in Mason City.

These Hawks (26-15) don't seem to be particularly intimidated by an opponent who has about a half-dozen college players and a major league drafted pitcher in Branden Platts.

“They have a lot of athletes. And you know what? We have absolutely nothing to lose," said Prairie Coach Matt Thede. "I just have a feeling Wednesday is going to be our day.”

Linn-Mar (22-18) slapped the ball all around the ballpark in the first inning against Prairie starting pitcher Dustin Carlson, getting to him for four runs on four hits and a walk. Jeremy Donover had a huge three-run double to left.

“I told them it's been about 16 years since I've had a team get off to a start like that,” said Linn-Mar Coach Chad Lechner. “A substate game like this, you just don't see that too often. But (Prairie is) experienced with a bunch of seniors and they responded. Credit to them.”

Linn-Mar starter Nate Greve looked the part of a sophomore in a big game, walking four in he bottom of the first and being fortunate to still have a 4-2 lead. Prairie took care of that, though, right away in the second on a Brennan Hammer RBI groundout and Brayton Carlson RBI double. The Hawks scored again in the third for a lead Dustin Carlson and relievers Bryce Alberts and Anthony Gagliardi wouldn't give back.

“We've done it before,” said Carlson, the winning pitcher. “We've come from six, seven runs down, so we knew we had the offense. I just had to make some adjustments pitching and realize the game was far from over after that first inning.”

Prairie has won 16 of its last 18 games. It also got a boost Monday night when Jason Velvick pinch hit in the sixth inning.

He has been out since being injured as a passanger in an automobile accident in early June that killed former Prairie schoolmate Drake Whitters of Swisher. Velvick walked.

“We've really pulled together,” said D.J. Utley, who set the school's home run record this season with 14. “Everyone is doing their part now.”

Hopefully for at least one more game.

Here is a short video interview with winning pitcher Dustin Carlson:

[gallery columns="2"]