Giving themselves and the fans a great send-off, the seniors on the Pella High baseball team again showed grit, determination and leadership on Tuesday night, defeating Centerville 3-2.  For Pella, it was the second one-run victory in as many nights, and came on the final game of the regular season, as the squad recognized the efforts of its five graduating members on Senior Night.  

The Little Dutch out-hit Centerville 8-5, scoring all three runs in the second inning and playing mistake-free defense behind pitcher Chris Bandstra.  Bandstra threw all seven innings for the Little Dutch, scattering five hits by the Big Red, while walking just two batters and striking out three.  Furthermore, he helped his own cause by going 2-for-2 at the plate.  

Fellow senior Nick Gerdes was also key in Pella’s victory, going 2-for-3 with a run scored an an RBI.  Schyler Kane batted in the other two runs for the Little Dutch, as hit also got two hits in three at-bats – including a triple.  

Pella is hoping the back-to-back wins this week can serve as a springboard for Friday night, when they take their 19-14 overall record to Norwalk to face the Warriors in the first round of the Class 3A District Tournament.