Prep Connection
Iowa Sports Connection
Martensdale-St. Marys Wins No. 84; Remains Focused on the Goal Tim Weideman Editor
Martensdale-St. Marys made history July 19 when the team won its 84th straight game, setting a new national record. The win beat the old record of 83 games set by a team from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. That streak is still active but for now the Blue Devils are on top and the school is on the high school baseball national map. The record-breaking victory came against Twin Cedars of Bussey in a Class 1A substate final game in Indianola. Martensdale-St. Marys defeated the Sabers, 10-0 in six innings. The intensity with which the Blue Devils played the game and the somewhat subdued celebration aftwerard—as far as recordbreaking celebrations go, at least—reminded those watching that this team is on a mission. That mission never truly included breaking a national high school baseball win streak record. That was just a byproduct of the team’s real goal to win a second-straight state championship. The record and the perfect season, if it gets to that point (it’s hard not to say “when” after watching this team play), will be wonderful side notes.
“It’s nice but it’s not what we’re after. We’ve got three more games to play.” Justin Dehmer, Martensdale-St. Marys baseball head coach After junior Brad Nauman knocked in the gamewinning run on a single that rolled to the fence, the Blue Devils received their State Qualifier banner. The team gathered around the banner, hoisted it
Martensdale-St. Marys senior Ethan Coates throws to first. (Photo by Sam Taylor/ Impact Imagery)
Martensdale-St Marys head coach Justin Dehmer sends a runner home. The Blue Devils won their 84th straight game, 10-0. (Photo by Sam Taylor/ Impact Imagery)
JD Nielsen connects with a ball. Nielsen hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. (Photos by Sam Taylor/Impact Imagery)
up and let out a few excited whoops and hollers. Then, head coach Justin Dehmer reminded his team: “It’s nice but it’s not what we’re after. We’ve got three more games to play.” Still, this was a game that the team will remember and even Dehmer admitted that there would be plenty of Continued on page 10.
Jim Tarpey
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Volume 13 Issue 5
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