Creston swept by state-ranked Heelan

The Panthers (14-20) were put to the test Monday as they hosted a double-header against state-ranked Bishop Heelan (24-12), falling in both games after taking a 15-8 win in Saydel on Thursday.

“We were grateful to play a high quality program today in Bishop Heelan, a respected program in the state,” Coach Brandon Phipps said. “I thought our kids played hard today and we did some nice things. We had our opportunities to take down a good team but just need to capitalize when they are at hand.”

Even after Heelan scored the first run in the fourth inning of game two Monday, and added two more in the fifth, it didn’t appear Creston was out of it.

The Panthers were still able to stay in striking range of Heelan, although Heelan eventually won game two 4-2. Heelan also won the first game 5-0.

In the fifth inning of game two, Tyler Riley put Creston on the board after being driven in by a hit from McCoy Haines. The Panthers were not done. Kyle Strider was on base and was driven in by Cael Turner cutting the deficit to 3-2.

The Panthers had their chances in the sixth. Milo Staver’s bunt advanced Tanner Klejch to third base. Dylan Hoepker attempted a bunt, but it backfired as it went back to the Heelan pitcher who caught it for the out and then threw out Klejch on third who took off for home.

In game two, Creston’s Tom Mikkeslen had two hits. Parker Varner was the starting pitcher for Creston who lasted six and one-third innings and struck out one.

“It’s a big week for us coming up and I think today we showed we are capable against anybody,” Phipps said. “Just need to be playing out best at the end of the season.”

Creston is at Knoxville today (31-3). First pitch is at 7:30 p.m.

The first round of districts in Class 3A begins Friday as the Panthers travel to Glenwood for their third match of the season.

Creston is ranked fifth with Glenwood ranked fourth in Substate 8.

In their first meeting, Creston took the 9-3 win at Glenwood, but the Rams came back with the road victory two weeks later in a narrow 5-6 win.

Th winner will advance to face the winner of Lewis Central (ranked first) versus Carroll (ranked eighth) on Monday.