Solon advances in 3A tourney with win over top seed

Dillon Drake threw a two-hitter for the Spartans to silence the top seed in the 3A state tournament, as Solon defeated Dubuque-Wahlert 12-2 on Tuesday.

Drake?s performance featured two strikeouts, no walks and both of his runs allowed were unearned, as the senior won his first game of 2016 at Principal Park. He?s one of three pitchers in the class to not allow an earned run at the state tournament.

Offensively, Solon was led by sophomore Tyler Linderbaum?s three hits and three runs scored. Kendrick Harris also recorded three hits on the day, including a double. Drake, Zach Wegmann and Patrick Maston each had a pair of hits. Drake, Adam Bock and Harris each drove in a pair of runs as well.

Wahlert?s two hits came from sophomore catcher Jimmy McDermott and junior second baseman Alex Timp. Neither hit led to a run for the Golden Eagles. Austin Savary suffered the loss on the mound, allowing six hits and four runs, three earned, over four innings of work.

Solon, the No. 8 seed in the tournament with the lowest record at 21-20, will now face 28-5 Harlan this afternoon in the semifinals. The other semifinal game will be between No. 2 Pella (31-8) and No. 3 Carlisle (32-6).