WEST DES MOINES - Dowling Catholic senior Andrew Clemen tossed a five-hit shutout and the fourth-ranked Maroons fought past the Marshalltown baseball team 4-0 in Tuesday's cross-CIML contest.
Clemen (6-0) struck out two and did not walk a batter, allowing only five singles for the Bobcats (14-18).
Marshalltown's best chance to score came when it loaded the bases with two out in the top of the sixth, but the key hit never arrived. Ryan Mitchell and Kyle Carnahan both singled, and Blake Judkins was hit by a pitch. Clemen got out of the jam with a strikeout and Dowling finished off the victory.
"Dowling has a nice team, but if we intend to compete well in the postseason we'll have to improve in all areas and take advantage of the offensive situations that present themselves," said MHS head coach Steve Hanson.
Alex Thompson, Tre Blackford and Judkins added singles in the loss. Carnahan pitched all six innings for MHS, allowing four earned runs on 12 hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
"Tonight's game was similar to many we've played recently in that our defense was good, Kyle pitched decently, but our offense was pretty stagnant," said Hanson. "To compound things offensively, when we did have some baserunners we were unable to move them up or drive them in."
Jacob Stacy went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs to lead Dowling offensively. Rob Harvey went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, while Zach Coppola and Jake DeBondt both added two hits.
Marshalltown closes out CIML Iowa Conference play at home on Thursday night, hosting a seventh-ranked Waukee team the Bobcats split with in their first meeting this season.
"Waukee is another quality CIML team," added Hanson. "For us to have a chance we'll have to execute better as a group. The one good thing is that our guys will put forth a good effort - that's where everything has to begin."
BCLUW 4, Jesup 3
BEAMAN - BCLUW scored twice in the bottom of the seventh to extend its winning streak to four games going into district play.
Cole Thompson started the rally in the seventh for the Comets (15-12) with a base hit. Robert Sharp reached on an error to put runners on the corners, then Thompson scored on a wild pitch to tie the game. Chad Dolphin then delivered the game-winning base hit.
Thompson was the winning pitcher, allowing three runs on four hits in his seven innings, striking out two and walking two.
Isaac Novak finished with a single and double for BCLUW. Zach Cashin added a double.
The Comets face Dike-New Hartford in the Class 2A District 13 opening round on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Beaman.