Martensdale-St. Marys (Martensdale, Iowa) stands alone today after winning its national-record 84th consecutive baseball game.
The Blue Devils started slow - going through the first nine batters without a hit – before carving out a 10-0, six-inning victory on Tuesday over Twin Cedars (Bussey, Iowa) to win the Class A substate championship.
The victory broke a tie with
Portsmouth (N.H.), which ran its winning streak to a record 83 during the spring season.
Junior
J.D. Nielsen handcuffed Twin Cedars with a three-hitter and six strikeouts, in addition to hitting a single and home run. Junior shortstop
Robert Walker went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs. Junior designated hitter
T.J Foster had a single and double.
"It feels like our goal is still not there yet," coach Justin Dehmer told MaxPreps. "It's good to know that nobody has been there (84 straight). There are still three more to get. I think the parents are more excited than our kids."
Dehmer consistently has said that his team's major goal always has been to repeat as state champion.
That quest continues next Monday in the state quarterfinals. The semifinals are scheduled for Thursday and the title game for Saturday.
