SOLON — The Solon Recreation and Nature Center had a bustling parking lot well before the first pitch of the doubleheader between the Clear Creek Amana Varsity Clippers and the Solon Varsity Spartans. Senior Jackson Link was the starting pitcher for Game 1.
The Clippers took the lead in the top of the second inning, scoring four runs on a walk, error, fielder’s choice, and sacrifice bunt. However, the Spartans scored five runs on three hits in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-4 lead.
The Clippers had a 14-run lead by the middle of the fourth inning due to a couple of home runs, but the Spartans ultimately battled back to end the first game 19-9. Carson Kidwell batted fourth in the lineup for the Spartans and drove in three runs, contributing to the 11 hits the Spartans concluded the opener with.
The nightcap resulted in a victory for the Spartans, with the overall number of runs scored by both teams much lower. The Clippers once again struck early, scoring two runs on a sacrifice fly. However, senior Ty Bell’s double down the left field line tied the score at 2 at the conclusion of the first inning. Bell ended the second game 2-for-3 at the plate. The Spartans secured the lead in the bottom of the second thanks to a solo shot by Jackson Link, the second of his career. From there, the Spartans scored on a couple of hits in the fourth, defensive errors by the Clippers in the fifth, and a successful steal of home by Bell in the fifth as well.
The final score of Game 2 was 6-3, giving the Spartans a record of 18-12 this season.
Luke Deike was the winning pitcher for the Spartans, allowing seven hits and just two runs across his six-inning stretch. The sophomore gave up no walks and struck out seven before being relieved by junior Dylan Gorham.
Beau Mullen, Nolan Seagren, Link, and Bell were recognized between games for Senior Night.
Postseason play begins tomorrow – Friday, July 11
Eight teams – Marion, Vinton-Shellsburg, Mount Vernon, Central DeWitt, Assumption Catholic, Washington, Solon, and Grinnell make up Class 3A Substate No. 5 with all eight opening postseason play Friday, July 11.
Marion will host Vinton-Shellsburg while Mount Vernon will host DeWitt in the top half of the bracket with Assumption taking on Washington and the Spartans hosting Grinnell at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets for the first round game must be purchased in advance at www.iahsaa.org/tickets/.
Winners advance to the semifinals Monday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at sites to be determined while the Substate Final, with a spot in the Class 3A State Tournament in Sioux City on the line, is set for Wednesday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. (site to be determined).
The 2025 State Tournament is set for Monday, July 21-Friday, July 25 at Lewis & Clark Park in Sioux City. The 3,800-seat stadium is host to the minor league Sioux City Explorers.
The 3A State Tournament returns to Cedar Rapids next year.