Keokuk, Ft. Madison to take rivalry into Region 7 final

Keokuk senior pitcher Hannah Washburn was back in form Tuesday night vs. Pella and she pitched her Chief team to the regional final.

Washburn struck out eight and gave up three hits and one walk to make the Chiefs? lone score in the bottom of the first inning hold strong for a 1-0 victory in Fairfield. Sixth-ranked Keokuk now hosts Southeast Conference rival and 12th-ranked Fort Madison in tonight?s regional final. The winner will advance to next week?s state tournament in Fort Dodge.

Fort Madison won three of the four games the teams played this season, but Keokuk took a 6-5 decision in the last meeting on July 7. Keokuk also won the matchup in last year?s regional final to advance to the state tournament.

Fort Madison advanced to the regional final with an 8-2 win over Washington Monday night. Morgan Louck allowed two earned runs on five hits and struck out five to get the win and avenge two losses vs. the Demons from earlier in the year.

Tonight?s regional final in Keokuk is slated to begin at 7 p.m.