Following the program’s first postseason win since 2016, the Pella baseball team now has eyes on a much shorter turnaround between victories and a deeper playoff run Monday when they host conference opponent Newton in the Class 3A Substate 7 semifinals.
The Dutch and Cardinals played all three of their scheduled league games this summer, with the road team emerging victorious in all of those matchups and Pella winning the season series 2-1.
Newton won a wild Substate opener with Carlisle Friday, hanging on twice after losing a 4-1 lead in the 5th inning and narrowly holding on to what was a 9-5 advantage despite the Wildcats getting multiple runners on in the 7th. The Cardinals did so without top overall player Turner Williams.
Pella will counter with Keegan Hansen on the mound, who took the hard-luck loss to Newton on June 3rd, giving up two earned runs and five total due to four errors behind him defensively in a complete game effort.
Coverage of the Dutch and Cardinals begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday on 92.1 KRLS and Pella Dutch Live.