MORAVIA – North Mahaska saw its season come to an end in the Class 1A District 9 semifinal Wednesday in Moravia. The Warhawks advanced to the semifinal Saturday on a dramatic seventh inning comeback but could not duplicate it against a hard-hitting Moravia team ending in a 4-1 loss.

North Mahaska was limited to three singles by Jack Kelderman, Ben Johannes and Drake Hall. Moravia rapped out nine hits including two doubles.

“They are a nice hitting team,” said NM coach Kevin Kelderman. “Defensively there were some great plays for both teams. Ben had a great throw to second and Lucas Nunnikhoven played great in left field.”

The Warhawks had a couple baserunning mistakes that cost them the chance to cut into the Moravia lead. The Mohawks opened the bottom of the first inning with a single and stolen base. An error led to Wyatt Throckmorton scoring on a fielder’s choice. The third inning saw Moravia rap out a double and following wild pitches the Mohawks scored three runs.

North Mahaska’s defense stranded nine Mohawk runners including five runners at third base. NM left four runners stranded. 

The Warhawks scored their lone run in the top of the fourth when ripped a single to right field. Johannes was hit by a pitch, and Nash Smith reached on an error. With one out Kelderman hit a single to score Hall, but the Warhawks could do more damage.

Smith, a senior, took the loss on the mound. He threw two innings allowing four runs on five hits and three strikeouts. Junior Nolan Andersen tossed the final four innings with one strikeout and two walks.

“Overall, I thought Nash and Nolan threw a good ball game,” said coach Kelderman. “They (Moravia) were able to hit the ball hard at key times. We hit the ball, but they were able to get to them for out.”

Kelderman said good-bye to his three seniors Hall, Smith and Johannes.

“Nash has been playing since his freshman year and has played all over the field,” said Kelderman. “Drake has been holding his own in centerfield since his sophomore season. We will have big shoes to fill out there. Ben stepped in behind the plate for the first time on varsity and I really thought in the latter part of the year was doing a nice job behind the plate. He had a great putout at second tonight. They left some holes to fill next year.”

North Mahaska ends the season at 14-11. Moravia improves to 23-7 and will travel to Burlington Notre Dame in the district final Saturday.