Facing the number two seed in class 2A, and heralded as the underdogs as they have been all season, the Pleasantville Trojan Baseball Team is once again headed to the semifinal round of the State Tournament for the second year in a row thanks to a 3-1 upset victory over the Blazers of Dyersville Beckman last night at Principal Park.
Zeb Adreon started on the mound for the Trojans and continued his strong postseason going six strong innings allowing just one run before giving way to Nate Sowers in the seventh who came in for the save. Pleasantville got the scoring started in the third inning with a leadoff triple by Adreon and scoring on a passed ball, while Brock Busick also picking up an infield single and him being hit home on an RBI single by Sowers. The Blazers would get one back in the third, but that is all the Trojans would allow the rest of the way. The Trojans scored an insurance run in the fifth on an error in center field, but the play of the day came on defense in the sixth inning. With the Trojans ahead by two runs Beckman would get the bases loaded with one out, but Adreon would induce a fly ball out to center field followed by Brock Busick throwing out the runner at home for the double play to end the threat. Beckman would threaten once more in the seventh with Adreon faltering as the Blazers drew a walk and a hit batsman to start the inning, prompting Pleasantville Head Coach Sheldon Card to bring in Sowers. Sowers would get the final three outs of the game with no runs scoring to secure the win for the Trojans and set them into the semifinal round. Pleasantville center fielder Brock Busick told KNIA/KRLS Sports after the game that while they respected their opponents coming into the game, as soon as Pleasantville got the lead with Adreon on the mound they felt good about their chances. Coach Card after the game talked about how his pitchers played to the extent of their abilities which allowed the Trojans a good chance at a win. Pleasantville is now 29-9 on the season, and are back in the State Semifinals where they will take on Kuemper Catholic at 7:30pm at Principal Park.