(Harlan, IA) – The Harlan Cyclones are coming off a 2-0 loss to Hawkeye 10 Conference champs Clarinda and currently sit with a record of 22-8. The team that made a state tournament run a year ago is 1-2 in their last couple of games, it will be a tough path for the Cyclones to reach their goals this season.
Head coach Heath Stein says there a a couple of little things they could improve on that would make them a much better club.
Harlan is trying to make it back-to-back state tournament appearances after beating Atlantic, Storm Lake, and Lewis Central to qualify a season ago before losing to eventual 3A state champions Western Dubuque 10-0. The postseason bracket is different than last, but still familiar to the Cyclones with six of the eight teams in the 3A Substate 8 district belonging to the Hawkeye 10. Harlan still has a couple of tune-up games next week to improve on some things and build some momentum heading into the postseason.
Harlan has relied on their pitching all season to lead them to victory. The Cyclone’s top four starters have a combined record of 21-6 with 144.1 innings pitched on the season. The team holds an ERA of 3.25 and with three starters departing, it could be some time until Harlan sees another rotation like this.
Stein wants to rely on his starters, but situations may call for early changes.
Harlan plays Council Bluffs Jefferson on Monday and Council Bluffs Lincoln on Wednesday before hosting Carroll on May 12th.
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