For the third time in the last six years, the Pella Christian baseball will take on Centerville in postseason action.

In Class 2A Substate 6 third-seeded Centerville was a 3-1 winner over sixth-seeded Cardinal Monday night to advance to face the second-seeded Eagles in the quarterfinals. Competing out of the South Central Conference, the Big Reds went 15-13 overall and 13-8 in the league in 2023. Over the course of their 28 games, Centerville outscored their opponents 175-150, and average of 6.25 runs per game to 5.35 runs allowed per game. 

The Big Reds are a nightmare for their opponents on the base paths, ranking fifth in Class 2A in stolen bases with 144 in 149 attempts. Helping spark Centerville’s impressive stolen bases number is their team on-base percentage of .447, which ranks third in 2A. On the mound, Centerville allowed the second fewest walks in 2A this season with 73, and the fourth fewest hit by pitches in the class with 22.

Junior Brandon Shinn is leading the way for the Big Reds offensively this season, posting team-highs in batting average (.412), hits (35), and RBIs (26). Senior Brody Tuttle has been the top pitcher for Centerville this year, but he will not be available to pitch due to throwing 89 pitches in Monday night’s game. The likely starter for the Big Reds will be either junior Sylar Esaias or freshman Conner Lancaster, who each posted a win-loss record of 3-4. Esaias threw 39.1 innings in the regular season and posted a 2.14 ERA, while Lancaster pitched 33.1 innings and had a 4.41 ERA.

Pella Christian will host both Class 2A Substate 7, District 12 games on Eagle Lane tonight, beginning with Central Decatur and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont 5 p.m. The Eagles and Centerville will follow at 7 p.m., and the game can be heard live on 92.1 KRLS beginning with pregame coverage around 6:45 p.m.