The fourth-seeded Don Bosco Dons used a big third inning and stellar pitching from Lewis Havel to defeat Coon Rapids-Bayard 3-1 in the Class 1A quarterfinals Friday at the state tournament at Principal Park. Havel only gave up one run in 5.2 innings improving his record to 5-0 and the Dons’ record to 29-4.

In the third inning, after a single by Easton Larson and a double by Kendall Becker, the Dons loaded the bases when Cael Frost was intentionally walked. Bryce Schares and Fisher Ohrt would capitalize on the situation by each hitting a single to give the Dons a 3-0 lead.

However, after retiring the side, the Crusaders struck back when Aaron McAlister hit a leadoff triple and eventually scored off a Josh Ramirez single.

Havel pitched 5.2 innings and struck out eight. Ohrt and Kendall Becker had two hits each to lead the Dons.

McAlister and Trenton Golay had two hits each to lead the Crusaders, which out-hit Don Bosco 7-6. CRB left 11 men on base.

Don Bosco advances to the semifinals and will face Newman Catholic, who held off Pekin 8-7. Coon Rapids-Bayard ends the season with the record of 29-5.

(IAHSBB.com)