Junior outfielder Evan Irlmeier has started all 36 games while helping the Ankeny baseball team to a 15-21 record, including a 9-13 mark in the CIML Conference. He went 5-for-7 on the night as the Hawks split a doubleheader at fourth-ranked Ankeny Centennial on Wednesday.
Irlmeier went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored as Ankeny posted a 7-5 victory in the nightcap to avoid a sweep of the season series. He went 2-for-3 with a double, scored a run and drove in another in the Hawks’ 7-5 loss in the opener.
Irlmeier is batting .303 with four doubles, one triple and 19 RBIs. He leads the team with nine stolen bases and nine sacrifice bunts.
Here is some inside info on Irlmeier:
Congratulations on winning the second game against Centennial. How important was it for your team to get a victory against the Jaguars?
It was a great win for our team. Anytime you can get a win against one of the top CIML teams, it boosts the team’s overall confidence. That is huge with the playoffs right around the corner.
Your team had faced Centennial starter Sean Stewart three weeks ago in a 4-3 loss to the Jaguars. Did that help in your preparation against him?
Seeing a pitcher you’ve seen earlier in the season helps some, but we as a team still have to execute at the plate. I thought we did a good job of that, especially with runners in scoring position.
Your team has had an up-and-down season, but you’ve had some big wins against ranked opponents. What has been the highlight for you?
After we went to Dowling and won both (games on June 12), and then got a big win against a highly-ranked Waukee team (the next day). I think that really helped the team’s confidence and finally got the bats rolling up and down the lineup.
What has been the key to those wins over the top teams?
I think the key to the wins over the ranked teams mainly comes from the focus and execution on defense and with runners in scoring position.
Do you feel like this team is capable of making a deep run in the postseason?
Of course. I believe we can make a run and win state. We’ve played one of, if not the hardest schedules, in the state. We have shown we can beat anyone when we play to our potential. We as a team just have to take it one game at a time and stay consistent.
Your team is the No. 4 seed in Class 4A Substate 2 and will play at Council Bluffs Lincoln in a quarterfinal game on Friday, July 12. Do you know anything about the Lynx?
No, I have not looked at their season. We are focused on our team and getting better for the playoffs.
With a win, your team would then likely have to beat either Sioux City East or Valley before meeting second-ranked Dallas Center-Grimes in the substate final for a trip to state. What do you think of your team’s substate draw?
There are so many good teams throughout Iowa. Playing in the CIML, we are used to every game being competitive. I think that has prepared us for any team we could’ve drawn.
Your team will face two of those potential opponents, Valley and Dallas Center-Grimes, this week. I know you’re already pretty familiar with Valley because they are a conference rival, but do you know much about the Mustangs and what makes them the top seed in your substate?
DCG is a really solid team and in baseball to have a record like they do (30-2), you know they are a well-coached team who shows up to play every single game.
You’re also a standout receiver on the Ankeny football team who caught 53 passes for 722 yards and four touchdowns while helping the Hawks to earn runner-up honors in Class 5A last fall. Do you have a favorite sport, and if so, why?
I love both football and baseball, but if I had to choose I’d say football. I really like hanging out and the social aspect of baseball being around teammates and coaches is always a lot of fun. As for football, I love the intensity and energetic feel it brings. Everyone involved is passionate and through that all I think the football team is very close to one another.
Do you know which sport that you want to play in college? And what are you going to study?
I intend to play football in college and major in business.
