Quinn Larsen Powers Ottumwa Bulldogs to 20-Win Season

Explosive Night Against Des Moines East

Ottumwa surged past Des Moines East with a five‑home‑run display, one of which sailed over the outfield for a walk‑off victory. Quinn Larsen, who batted six times, delivered the game‑winning shot in the decisive frame. The power outburst anchored a 7‑1 triumph that lifted the Bulldogs to a critical win early in the doubleheader.

Dominating Fort Dodge with Two‑Run Blast

The Bulldogs erupted for a two‑run home run from Larsen during a 7‑1 rout of ninth‑ranked (4A) Fort Dodge. This strike added to the four other round trips Larsen produced that game. The victory not only showcased the offense but also pushed Ottumwa to six wins in seven contests at a pivotal stretch of the schedule.

Reaching 20 Wins and Securing an Extra Home Game

The run of success propelled Ottumwa to its 20th win of the season—the sixth consecutive summer with that total. Earning extra home games meant the Bulldogs would host Iowa City High in a Class 4A, Substate 8 first‑round matchup on Friday. Coach Joey Mitchell praised the team’s ability to seize opportunities after a promising doubleheader with Iowa City Liberty.

Turnaround After Early Setbacks

Despite opening the year with four straight losses to top‑10 foes West Des Moines Valley and Indianola, the Bulldogs rebounded with three straight conference victories. In those wins over Des Moines Roosevelt and Des Moines North, Ottumwa outscored opponents 43‑11. The turnaround marked the 15th winning season in 16 years for the program.

Coach Mitchell Speaks on Hitting Improvement

Mitchell observed that the lineup’s approach at the plate had become “probably the best they’ve been all season.” He credited better plate discipline and sharper pitching for the surge in confidence throughout the team. The coach highlighted solid defense and strike‑throwing as key ingredients in the recent success.

Regular Season Ends With Two Losses at Ames

Ottumwa concluded the regular season with back‑to‑back defeats at Ames, losing 9‑0 and 5‑4. Tillman Schieffer authored a three‑hit shutout in the opener for the Little Cyclones, while Max Martin’s two‑run double sparked a fifth‑inning rally in the second contest. Despite the setbacks, Mitchell noted the team had shown resilience even on off nights.