DES MOINES — Blistering heat and a blazing sun joined the South Tama Trojans and the Nevada Bears on Tuesday at Principal Park in Des Moines.

South Tama looked to bounce back after a rough doubleheader the previous night, losing both games to Clear Creek-Amana, where they failed to produce a run in either game.

Nevada went into this game also off a tough result against West Marshall where they lost 14-0, and both squads were looking to prove something in the state’s capital.

The Trojans made it clear immediately that this game would not be representative of their games against CCA, with Ryne Kesl, who also started the game on the mound, doubling to get South Tama on the board in the first inning, and finishing with two runs to start their day.

Nevada would answer back with a run of their own with the score sitting at 2-1 in favor of the Trojans heading into the second inning.

STC assistant coach Jerrod Bridgewater encouraging his defense after a strong inning. Photo by Cyote Williams

Kesl was impressive on the mound, getting South Tama out of several jams to keep their lead intact, including getting out of the second inning with a runner on third, and a double play to escape the third inning despite Nevada beginning to threaten.

Daniel Wiese came in for Kesl in the bottom of the fourth, and the Nevada bats got hot.

The Bears punched in four runs, but the inning ended with an incredible stop at the plate from South Tama catcher Jordan Bly that saw Nevada’s Gavin Melohn go flying over him. This out would stop the bleeding for the Trojans and send them into the fifth inning down 5-2.

The Trojans didn’t let that discourage them, however. Logan Schmidt doubled to start off the inning, followed by Kyler Smith singling to push Schmidt into scoring position.

South Tama was able to drive home three runs in the fifth thanks to a sac fly, and RBIs from Bly and Kesl to tie the game back up at 5-5 heading into the bottom of the fifth.

Senior Ryne Kesl firing one over the plate during his start against Nevada. Kesl allowed one run during his time on the mound. Photo by Cyote Williams

Head coach Seth Koch was impressed with his team’s resolve throughout the game.

“Every time we gave it up, we tied it and responded right back,” Koch said. “I’m really proud of the way the kids scrapped and hung in there. It was a good baseball game. One-run game, and we had a chance to win at the end, you can’t ask for much more.”

Jacob Collison came in to pitch for the Trojans, immediately getting the first two Bears batters out and left the inning only allowing one hit.

Despite Collison’s performance, walks were an issue for all three STC pitchers.

“We gotta clean that stuff up on the mound. It’s getting to be too late in the season to be still walking eight guys in a ballgame,” said Koch.

Trojan head coach Seth Koch addressing his infield during a mound visit after their lead slipped in the 4th inning. Photo by Cyote Williams

Nevada was able to crack through South Tama’s defense in the bottom of the sixth, a sac fly RBI from Melohn and another RBI tacked on saw the score sitting at 7-5 in favor of Nevada heading into the seventh and final inning.

Bly smacked a fly ball into right field that resulted in a stand-up triple, giving South Tama life.

Kian McBride was able to drive Bly home to bring the score within one, but that was as close as the Trojans would get. Falling to Nevada with a final score of 7-6.

Collison was pleased with the chance to play on a big-time field like Principal Park. “This is nice to get this experience,” Collison said. “The field is super nice, and it’s kind of good to get in front of everybody.

Senior catcher Jordan Bly during his second at bat. Bly would go three for four with a triple. Photo by Cyote Williams

STC and Nevada shake hands after a hard fought game in the sun at Principal Park. Photo by Cyote Williams

STC baseball stands on the first baseline during the national anthem before the game against Nevada. Photo by Cyote Williams

Senior shortstop Kyler Smith moments before he makes a dash for second base on his way to a successful steal. Photo by Cyote Williams

Sophomore second baseman Daniel Wiese contributed an RBI to one of STC’s 6 runs. Photo by Cyote Williams