HDC baseball faces four opponents heading toward postseason

Hampton-Dumont/CAL faced four opponents this week with postseason quickly approaching.

On July 5, the home game against North Butler was declared a no contest when lightening forced the game to be called off; HDC led 6-2 at the time.

On July 6, the team was defeated by Clear Lake on the road, 4-5.

The Bulldogs lost to Webster City, 3-13, on the road on Wednesday.

Finally, HDC defeated Forest City at home on Thursday, winning 12-10.

Against Clear Lake, it was a dramatic game.

The two teams failed to put a run on the boards for five innings.

It was the final two innings where the built-up offensive energy was released in an impressive display.

At the bottom of the sixth, Clear Lake put up four runs to claim the first lead of the day. The Dogs answered back by tying up the game.

Clear Lake failed to score at the bottom of the seventh, forcing the game to overtime.

HDC couldn’t manage another run in the eighth, leaving the Lions the opportunity to put away the game.

Pitcher Brayden Johnson struck out nine batters and only walked two; he gave up six hits. The Bulldogs had six hits, as well.

Cal Heeran had two hits in the contest.

“Really proud of how our boys responded in this game,” coach Matt Lokenvitz said. “Really well-played game on both sides.”

In the Forest City game, the Bulldogs jumped ahead with a commanding 10-run lead. The score improved to 12-1 after four and a half innings.

The Indians had six runs at the bottom of the fifth.

“Walks started to get to us and give them credit as they battled back,” Lokenvitz said. There were 13 walks given up by HDC in the game.

Forest City would make a final push to tie the score up, but fell short with three-runs scored in the seventh inning.

“Our team showed good heart to not fall apart once they started to hit and things weren't going our way,” Lokenvitz said.

HDC had 13 total hits.

Kale Folkerts had three hits and two RBI in the game.

Heeran batted in three runners with two hits, hitting a home run as well.

The Bulldogs finished up the season with a home game against Humboldt on Monday and a game at Boone on Tuesday.

HDC will face Waverly-Shell Rock on the road for Class 3A Districts on Friday.

That game starts at 7 p.m.