The slow start has continued for the Ankeny baseball team.
After dropping both games of a doubleheader against fifth-ranked Pleasant Valley on Thursday, the Hawks traveled to Cedar Rapids on Saturday to face two more ranked opponents.
Ankeny dropped an 8-1 decision to Iowa City High, the No. 1 team in the preseason rankings. The Hawks then fell to 0-4 with a 12-2 loss to No. 9 Cedar Rapids Kennedy in six innings.
“It’s been tough sledding these first four games,” said Ankeny coach Joe Balvanz. “We’ve played some good teams.”
Iowa City High (3-2) jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first two innings. After giving up a three-run homer to Owen Hicks in the second, Ankeny starter Zach Halverson then recovered to throw three scoreless innings, but the Hawks were unable to rally.
Halverson allowed four earned runs on seven hits over the first five innings. He recorded five strikeouts before being replaced by Brayden Kern.
“Zach pitched as well as he has since he was a sophomore,” Balvanz said. “He threw well enough to win most games, but maybe not against that lineup. They are No. 1 for a reason. They can really swing the bat.”
Kinnick Vos went 2-for-3 in the loss. Will Davies knocked in RJ St. Romain in the sixth to drive in Ankeny’s only run.
Kennedy (4-3) took advantage of six walks by Ankeny starter Ryan Buffington to score seven runs in the first inning. That was more than enough support for winning pitcher Ty Donels, who scattered six hits and had six strikeouts for the Cougars.
“Anytime you spot a team like Kennedy a lead like that, it’s going to be tough,” Balvanz said.
Donels helped his own cause with a double and three RBIs. Max Leno also doubled and drove in three runs while going 3-for-4 at the plate.
The Hawks got a strong relief effort from Jackson Molloy. The sophomore allowed three earned runs on seven hits and had five strikeouts over four innings.
“He threw really well,” Balvanz said. “He’s a young man who is pretty polished.”
Vos went 2-for-3 with a triple and scored a run for the Hawks. St. Romain also went 2-for-3, while Davies and Evan Irlmeier each had an RBI.
Ankeny finished with a season-high seven hits, including a double by Hunter Minner.
“Kinnick has been swinging the bat well,” Balvanz said. “We just need to get some of the other guys going. There are some pieces there. We just kind of look uncomfortable at the plate right now.”
The Hawks will host No. 2 Johnston (4-1) in their CIML Conference opener on Wednesday. They will host a conference doubleheader against No. 4 Waukee (6-0) on Thursday.
“The guys are working hard and trying to figure things out,” Balvanz said. “Every game is a new opportunity to find success.”