For the first time since 2018, the Forest City baseball team is off to a Class 2A Substate Final.
The Indians didn’t let Class 2A powerhouse Estherville Lincoln Central intimidate them Saturday before the state of its Class 2A District 1 final at Estherville’s Hess-Limberg Field. Forest City lost by one run in an extra inning game to the now fourth-ranked Midgets on June 13th. Since then, Forest City hasn’t lost, winning ten straight and advancing to the Class 2A Substate 1 final Tuesday night.
Jeff Jerome
That’s Forest City baseball coach Jeff Jerome, who is in his 18th season with the team. Jerome has led the Indians to five district titles (2006, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2018) and one state appearance in 2012.
Jeff Jerome
The Indians scored two runs in the top of the sixth innings after both teams’ starting pitchers stymied each other’s lineups through the first five innings. Jack Thompson got the start for Forest City, going five complete innings allowing no runs on just two hits, and stranded six ELC runners on base.
Forest City’s offensive production didn’t come from the top half of its batting order; instead, all five hits came from 5th-9th. The most significant two hits came from sophomores Ryan Bailey and Ty Dillavou. In the top of the sixth innings, following a leadoff walk to James Hagen, Corey Thoreson singled, and two pitches later, Bailey lined a ball into left field to give Forest City a 1-0. His at-bat was followed by Dillavou, who rocketed a ball to the outfield, caught by the left fielder – deep enough to score Thoreson and give Forest City a 2-0 lead.
Jeff Jerome
From there, it was in the hands of the Forest City bullpen, which recorded the final six outs and lifted the Indians to the district title.
Forest City moves on to the substate final on Tuesday against West Lyon. The Wildcats are 23-2 on the season but unranked in Class 2A. Jerome wouldn’t divulge who the Indians will start against West Lyon, and he wants the team to stay loose and have fun.
Tuesday’s game will be live on KIOW at 5:45 PM with the pregame show, followed by the first pitch at 6:00 PM. Join the “Voice of the Indians” Zarren Egesdal on 107.3 FM and worldwide at KIOW.com.
The first round of the IHSAA Class 2A State Baseball Tournament is Tuesday, July 18th, at Merchants Park in Carroll.
