The Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team used a six-run third inning to defeat Melcher-Dallas, 9-2, in a Class 1A district quarterfinal on Saturday at Southeast Warren.
The Eagles (13-10) pounded out 12 hits off three Melcher-Dallas pitchers. Lucas Erickson went 2-for-4 with four RBIs and was also the winning pitcher, combining with Landon Curtis on a three-hitter.
“We played well,” said first-year ACA head coach Konrad Christensen. “The team has worked hard and really come together.”
ACA defeated Melcher-Dallas (8-10) for the second time this season. The Eagles posted an 8-4 win on June 5.
After each team scored a run in the first inning, ACA scored twice in the second to take a 3-1 lead. The Saints got a run back in the top of the third, but the Eagles then batted around in the bottom of the frame to break the game open.
Lucas Herbel scored three times for ACA. Curtis and Joel Haley each went 2-for-3.
“Herbal was a real spark at the top of the lineup,” Christensen said.
Brody Butler went 3-for-4, Tyler Davis went 2-for-4 with a double, and Tyson Fincham also had a double. They each scored a run and knocked in another.
Erickson (5-4) allowed one earned run on two hits over the first four innings while walking one and recording four strikeouts. Evan Schrader drove in both runs for the Saints.
Curtis then racked up five strikeouts over the last three innings while giving up just one hit.
“It was definitely our plan to keep Erickson and Curtis available (to pitch) on Tuesday,” Christensen said. “Both pitched really well. (Andrew) Mora called a great game behind the plate, and he really limits the run game.”
The Eagles will play Southeast Warren (14-6) or Madrid (6-16) in a district semifinal on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Southeast Warren. The Southeast Warren vs. Madrid game was postponed on Saturday due to rain and rescheduled for Monday.
ACA might get a chance to avenge a 13-2 loss to Southeast Warren on June 10.
“I think we are playing our best baseball now and can be a real threat in the postseason,” Christensen said.