Win over Central Springs sends Lions to State

(Above) Clear Lake’s Zach Lester successfully steals third base. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

The Lions clinched their return to the State Tournament with a 6-2 victory over Central Springs  Wednesday, July 20.  The game was played in Forest City after rain washed out Tuesday’s scheduled game in Mason City.  The Lions claimed their third Sub-State championship in four years and entered the State Tournament as the defending State Champion and number one seed in Class 2A.

“As much fun as it was last year to hit a walk-off grand slam, it was great to see these kids this year in the same spot get an early lead that they never gave up,” said Head Coach Seth Thompson.

Good pitching and solid defense carried the Lions through the post season.  Against Central Springs, Ben Mason threw a five-hitter and his defense backed him up with no errors.  Mason struck out seven and walked one in the complete game performance.

“Ben was in command on the mound and our defense played almost error free in a high pressure game where defensive mistakes are common,” said the coach.

The Lions got on the scoreboard in the second after Zach Lester had a base hit and stole second and third to get into scoring position. With two out, Erik McHenry hit the first of his three base hits in the game to score Lester.

“It was fun to see Erik, playing a Sub-State game as an eighth grader, come up with three big hits for his team, and our whole lineup put pressure on their pitcher and defense all game long,” said Thompson.

Three runs crossed home plate in the third.  Cooper Merrill was hit by a pitch, then stole second and eventually went to third on a throwing