Reece Blaisdell Shines as Roland-Story Advances to State

Roland-Story’s Norsemen punched their ticket to the state baseball tournament with a dominant 4‑0 win over Pocahontas Area on July 14 at Clarion. Reece Blaisdell, a sophomore pitcher, delivered a complete‑game shutout, allowing just five hits and one walk while striking out eight batters. The victory marked Roland-Story’s first state appearance since 2015.

Blaisdell’s Command Dominates Pocahontas Area

Blaisdell’s fastball on the outside corner kept Pocahontas Area off the scoreboard throughout the night. The sophomore needed just a handful of pitches to polish off five hits and a lone walk, delivering a performance that leaned heavily on consistency. “Every time I go on the mound I just try to go after everyone,” Blaisdell said after the win. The outing leaves him with an impressive eight strikeouts in a high‑pressure championship game.

Early offensive pressure gave Roland-Story the runs it needed, with Braden Wallace delivering a clutch two‑run single in the first inning. Wallace later added another single, extending the Norsemen’s lead and setting the tone for the attack. The offense came from multiple sources, including a key double by Ayden Frey in the third and a double steal that brought Derek Acevedo home in the sixth.

Key Offensive Contributors

Colin Willis finished with three singles, boosting the Norsemen’s run production. Frey, Gavin Jeter and Cooper Triggs each added a hit of their own, showcasing depth in the lineup. “No matter where I’m at in the lineup, if people are on my goal is to get them in,” Wallace explained, highlighting the team’s collaborative approach. The variety of run‑scoring plays helped Roland‑Story build a comfortable early cushion.

Pocahontas Area attempted a late rally, but Blaisdell struck out the side in the seventh to seal the shutout. Adam Marsh’s early offensive spark—hit by a pitch and a single—offered a brief glimpse of hope, but the Indians could not sustain pressure. Marsh later absorbed the loss, allowing three runs on six hits without recording a walk.

Road to the State Tournament

The 37‑3 finish puts Roland‑Story in a strong position as the No. 2 seed in Class 2A, facing Durant (22‑9) in the opening round on July 21 at Merchants Park in Carroll. Coach Chris Hill praised the group’s dedication, noting the rarity of reaching a state berth after years of hard work. “It’s a really good feeling to be back,” Hill said, emphasizing the team’s pride in the achievement. Roland‑Story will carry that momentum into the next round with confidence.

Off the field, the victory sparked celebration, highlighted by AD Andrew Lundgren presenting a state qualifier banner to the Norsemen. The moment captured the culmination of a season built on perseverance and talent. With a polished arm in Blaisdell and a deep, disciplined batting order, the Norsemen are poised to make another run. The quest for three more wins begins soon, with Carroll as their next challenge.