(Carroll) Unity Christian ended Underwood’s championship hopes on Thursday with a 5-0 shutout in a Class 2A state semifinal at Merchants Park.
The Knights tallied five runs on eight hits while pitcher Dylan Bosma delivered a complete-game performance. Bosma allowed no runs on five hits, struck out three, and issued two walks over seven innings to earn the win. Underwood used three pitchers. Freshman Blake Brensel took the loss allowing three runs (2 earned) on four hits, two walks, and one hit batter in three innings of work. Freshman Ryan Fletcher allowed no runs on one hit, in two innings on the hill, and Easton Robertson allowed two runs on three hits, one strikeout, and one walk in two innings of work.
Unity Christian got on the board in the second inning when Austin Wieringa led off with a double and came home on Eli Ruschman’s groundout. Underwood threatened early in the bottom of the first with a single from Garrett Luett and a walk by Ryker Adair, but Bosma shut it down with a fielder’s choice and a strikeout to leave two runners stranded.
The Knights extended their lead in the third inning. Dylan Bosma singled and scored on Austin Hall’s sacrifice fly to center, while Skyler Altemeier, Braeden Bosma followed with a single and later scored to make it 3-0.
Unity Christian sealed the victory with two insurance runs in the seventh. Graden Van Essen doubled with one out, and after Brady Boogard reached on a fielder’s choice, both runners came around to score, pushing the final to 5-0. Dylan Bosma led the Knights at the plate with two singles, and a sacrifice fly to centerfield. Braeden Bosma hit two singles, Graden Van Essen, Austin Wieringa belted doubles, and Eli Ruschman hit a single.
Underwood Head Coach Andy Van Fossen says they put the ball in play but just couldn’t find the gaps.
Underwood Head Coach Andy Van Fossen says this team surprised a lot of people.
For Underwood offensively, Hudson Ross, Garrett Luett, Nick Hacket, Connor Brummett, and Maddox Mechaelson each hit singles.
Unity Christian plays Pleasantville for the 2a title on Friday night with the first pitch at 7:30 p.m.
