12-1 quarterfinal loss to Monticello ends MFL MarMac baseball season
The MFL MarMac baseball team wrapped up its season July 5, in a 12-1 quarterfinal loss to Monticello. It also marked the last game for Bulldog head coach Brandon Burke, pictured here with player Carver Blietz-Bentien, who announced he’ll step down from the position after seven years. (Times-Register file photo)
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
The MFL MarMac baseball team wrapped up its season July 5, in a 12-1 Class 2A - Substate 4 quarterfinal loss to Monticello.
The Panthers came into the game with just six losses, and pounced on Bulldog pitching early, scoring seven runs in the first inning alone. They added five more in the third.
Monticello did its damage on nine hits, two walks and three hit by pitches, in addition to capitalizing on six Bulldog errors. Just seven of the 12 runs scored off Bulldog pitching were earned.
MFL MarMac’s lone run came in the top of the fourth, on an RBI-single from senior Chauncy Drahn that brought in fellow senior Kaden Stocker. That was the team’s only hit over five innings, but players drew four walks off the Panthers’ winning pitcher, Dylan Roher.
The loss set MFL MarMac’s overall record at 17-14. The Bulldogs finished 10-7 in the Upper Iowa Conference, which was good for third place.
After the game, head coach Brandon Burke announced he’ll step down from the position after seven years, in order to spend more time with his family.
In a post on the baseball team’s Facebook page, Burke thanked the school administration for taking a chance on him as a 21-year-old, first-time coach. He also credited the school board, booster club, fans, past and current assistant coaches and players and his family for their support of the program.
“All good things must come to an end. For the past seven years, I have been lucky enough to live my dream of being the head baseball coach at MFL MarMac. What a roller coaster ride it was, from coaching my little brother to knocking Kee High out of the playoffs, to finishing three out of the last four yeas with a winning record. I have loved every minute and wouldn’t trade any of it for the world,” Burke said.
