28-05-2025
AJ Howarth's 18 strikeouts lead Dakota to sectional semifinal win against Galena
DAKOTA, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Sophomore pitcher AJ Howarth struck out 18 batters, and the Dakota Indians blanked the Galena Pirates 2-0 Tuesday evening in a semifinal game at the 1A Dakota allowed only four Galena batters to reach base, two on hits and two on walks. Freshman second baseman Natalie Bartha drove in both Dakota runs. In the second inning with runners on second and third, Bartha laid down a sacrifice bunt that scored Hailey Kerchner. In the bottom of the fourth, Bartha looped a single over shortstop to drive in Tatumn Autumn Kinney had a pair of hits for improves its record to 22-5, impressive for a team that has only one senior on its roster. The Indians will play for the 1A sectional championship at Dakota Friday at 4:30 against Pearl City. Pearl City defeated Orangeville 5-1 highlights of the Dakota-Galena game, watch the media player above.
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