Jaguars’ late rally falls short as No. 4 Waukee holds on to remain unbeaten

Ankeny Centennial’s Kohen Bollwinkel takes a lead off third base during the Jaguars’ sixth-inning rally in Wednesday’s game at Waukee. Bollwinkel doubled and drove in two runs as Centennial cut its deficit to 5-3 before the Warriors held on for a 6-3 victory to remain unbeaten. (Photo by Jerrad Downer)

A late rally by the Ankeny Centennial baseball team came up short in a 6-3 loss at fourth-ranked Waukee on Wednesday.

Trailing 5-0, the Jaguars rallied for three runs in the top of the sixth inning and then had the tying runs in scoring position with one out, but Waukee pitcher Grant Sorensen worked his way out of the jam to preserve the win in the CIML Conference opener.

“It would’ve been easy for our guys to roll over, but we came back and that’s a testament to the players’ character,” said Centennial coach Mark Hey. “They just keep grinding.”

**Ankeny Centennial pitcher Colton Arndt puts a tag on a Waukee runner for an out at third base after a pickoff attempt led to a rundown during Wednesday’s game. (Photo by Jerrad Downer)**

Sorensen went on to finish with a six-hitter in a 92-pitch complete game. He walked none and had eight strikeouts.

Sorensen also went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, while Matt Meeker doubled and drove in three runs. The Warriors are off to a 7-0 start and have outscored their opponents by a 68-11 margin.

“They’re really an outstanding team,” Hey said. “They’ve got some good young players, and Sorensen is probably one of the better pitchers in the CIML. They do all the little things right.”

Colton Arndt (0-1) took the loss for the Jaguars, who fell to 2-2 overall. He allowed four earned runs on four hits and six walks in 3 1/3 innings before being replaced by TJ Hood.

Ankeny Centennial reliever TJ Hood pitches to a Waukee batter during Wednesday’s game. Hood allowed two earned runs on four hits and had four strikeouts over the last 2 2/3 innings. (Photo by Jerrad Downer)

Kohen Bollwinkel went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. He raised his batting average to .500 after four games.

William Nesler, Isaac Bruhl and Jackson Reed each had a hit and scored a run in the loss. It was the season debut for Reed, who competed in the state track meet last weekend.

Centennial will travel to Johnston on Thursday for a conference doubleheader against the No. 2 Dragons (5-1), who opened league play on Wednesday with a 3-1 win at Ankeny.