The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows baseball team will travel to #3 (2A) Van Meter for first time in Bound Era in a Class 2A District 13 semifinal on Tuesday.
C-G-D (10-17) advanced to the matchup with a 11-4 win over Eagle Grove in the first round on Saturday. In their win, the Cowboys had balanced production at the plate as four different batters each had two RBIs. On the mound, this season, the Cowboys are paced by Jacob Ruba with 4.14 ERA and 33 strikeouts, and Drew Smith with a 2.06 ERA. Head Coach Ryan Nail on facing a top Class 2A program.
“Van Meter is a solid program year in, year out. I actually moved here from around that area. They were in our conference, so we got to see them on a weekly basis in every sport. They’re always well coached, play the game right. They’re not ranked number three for no reason,” says Nail. “We just have to have it in our mind that we’ve got to go control what we can control and play one of our best games. Then let it take care of itself and see what happens at the end of the game.”
Van Meter (22-8) reached a first round bye and will play their first game since a 9-1 win over Creston on July 2. The Bulldogs have earned their ranking by averaging seven runs per game and allowing three per game. Cole Moore is an all-around standout leading the team at the plate with a .458 avg and on the mound with a 1.22 ERA and 67 strikeouts.
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The winner will advance to Saturday’s district final against either Roland-Story or Garner Hayfield Ventura.
