Finally, after the months of preseason work, the hours in the batting cages, and the grueling regular season schedule, the 2021 Class 3A baseball season is just one win away from conclusion. Just two of the 63 teams remain with the chance at history on the line. Beginning at noon on Saturday, July 31, the Wahlert Catholic Golden Eagles and the Marion Indians will battle for the ultimate supremacy within Class 3A. with the title match.
It has been a bunch of history making that led up to the title game so it’s only fitting that both teams will engage in a history making battle. Neither team has found themselves in a state title game prior to Saturday’s contest, meaning that no matter who wins, the Class 3A world will witness a new champion to hold the crown.
For the Eagles of Wahlert Catholic, their 12th trip to the state tournament finally paid off. After capturing a narrow win to begin the tournament, the Golden Eagles broke out the offense to win a shootout against powerhouse Xavier. So far, Wahlert has touched up no less than six hits per contest including three extra base hits each game. They entered the state tournament as a top-five team in 3A in terms of RBI and extra base hits and have done nothing but power the ball throughout their time in Iowa City. They’ve held the home run lead in 3A for most of the year but have only needed one long ball to add to what has been a great offensive threat otherwise. Wahlert houses the top RBI man left standing in Jake Brosius who’s 52 RBI currently sets as fourth best across Class 3A with a chance to move into third with just two more.
As it should be though, their final test of the year will likely be their toughest. While the Golden Eagle defense has been stingy, allowing just 3.6 runs against on average, their opponent in Marion has averaged over ten runs scored. The top-ranked Indians roll in with the top 3A hitting offense by hits (431), doubles (93), RBI (329), and total bases (616). It’s the best offensive year statistically for a Marion team that has participated in a state tournament. No other team in the class has has three batters inside the top ten in total bases, RBI, and doubles. The thing that benefits the Indians into the future as well as now is the fact that two of those individuals are underclassmen. University of Iowa commit Myles Davis has been outstanding all year sporting a .489 average with 19 extra base hits. The other being Kaden Frommelt who leads the team with 49 RBI and 22 extra base hits.
Ultimately, whether its on the mound or at the plate, the Class 3A world will be witnessing perhaps the single-best game that has existed all season. It’s bee the four-game tie breaker between these two teams and second-ever battle at the state tournament between the Golden Eagles and the Indians.
“We know we have a tough test ahead of us with Marion,” said Wahlert head coach Kory Tuescher. “They’re not going to give you many free passes, you have to earn everything you get against them.”
“Wahlert is a quality program and those kids know how to win,” said Marion head coach Steve Fish.
As for projected starters on the mound, while the Golden Eagles will not be able to use the services of ace arm Aaron Savory on the mound, the Indians will more than likely utilize Boede Rahe who sat underneath the pitch count of 60 pitches in the opener against ADM. That would allow him back on the bump in todays contest. As for Wahlert, the thought is that Landon Stoll, who relieved Jared Walter in the battle against Xavier, will take the mound in the title game.
Another thing to note, Florida International commit Jaqson Tejada is questionable after suffering a hamstring tweak on Friday.