North Tama freshman Kayvin Morris (13) gets a fist bump from head coach Dalton Hulme after making it to third (and sending three runners home) late in the fifth inning to put the score at 10-1. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TRAER — The North Tama baseball team broke open a close game with an eight-run eruption to eliminate Springville, 10-2, in last Saturday’s Class 1A District 9 opener at J.L. Lister Field in Traer.

The Redhawks (15-11) led 2-1 through four innings before busting loose in the fifth, tallying eight runs to take command for good. Springville (3-19) added a run in the seventh to shrink the final deficit.

North Tama seniors Henry Hansen and Tyler Popelka combined to pitch a three-hitter. Hansen allowed one run on one hit and two walks over three innings, striking out six, while Popelka allowed one run on two hits and four total walks over four innings. He struck out four.

The ninth hitter in the Redhawk lineup — freshman Kayvin Morris — delivered at the plate by going 2-for-3 with a double, a run and four RBIs to lead the team. North Tama notched just six hits but capitalized on four walks and five Springville errors.

Kayler Morris was 1-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Gavin Rausch was 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run. Popelka singled in a run and Hansen contributed an RBI double to the cause.

North Tama’s Kayler Morris beats the throw at first during the Saturday, July 6, Class 1A District 9 opener against the Springville Orioles. Morris was 1-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

North Tama advanced to host Maquoketa Valley (14-10) this past Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Traer. The Telegraph will feature coverage from the second round game in next week’s edition.

Ace Henry Hansen pictured early in the game against the Springville Orioles. Hansen pitched three innings, striking out six while allowing one hit, one (earned) run, and walking two. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Redhawk senior Tyler Popelka releases a pitch after stepping in for ace Henry Hansen, who took the evening’s win, in the top of the fourth inning. Popelka struck out four while allowing one run on two hits. He had for total walks including one hit batter. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

North Tama’s Kayler Morris rounds third with encouragement from head coach Dalton Hulme on his way to scoring against the Springville Orioles during the Redhawks’ postseason opener played last Saturday evening on J.L. Lister Field in Traer. Morris was 1-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Redhawk junior Kolt Knaack pictured at bat early in the Class 1A District 9 opener against the Springville Orioles on July 6. Knaack has led North Tama in RBIs this season (22) while batting .309 (as of Monday, July 8). PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Third baseman Henry Hansen (18) tries for the double play at third. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

North Tama relief pitcher, senior Tyler Popelka pauses briefly on the mound in the top of the seventh. Popelka stepped in for starting pitcher Henry Hansen — who took the evening’s win — in the top of the fourth inning. Popelka struck out four while allowing one run on two hits. He had for total walks including one hit batter. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Henry Hansen receives a pat on the back after booking it to first in hopes of beating the throw, coming up just shy. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

North Tama's Kolt Knaack catches a pitch early in the game against the Springville Orioles Saturday evening. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER