Dean McArdle tossed a five hitter and struck out seven as top ranked Sioux City North topped Marshalltown 4-1 in the class 4A opener. The Stars improve to 34-7 and in the process avenged a first round loss to the Bobcats a year ago.
Sioux City North coach Brian Drent says the experience gained from playing in the tournament last year was a plus this time.
Marshalltown pitcher Jimmy Six had a strong outing as well but he overthrew first base with two outs in the fifth inning and North scored two runs on the play to take a 3-1 lead.
Six bounced back and gave up only six hits in the contest and walked only two.
The Bobcats end the season with a record of 26-16.