The “Dutch Dozen” of seniors have been building toward this week for years — and the hope the first step of three begins today for their Pella baseball team at Lewis & Clark Park in Sioux City in the Class 3A baseball quarterfinals.

The #2 ranked Dutch are set to take on Sergeant Bluff-Luton — who has a rare short commute to a state tournament, playing just ten minutes from their own home stadium, and come in as one of two unranked teams in the field of eight.

Head Coach Jesse Jablonski says it’s more of a challenge to get a gauge on the Warriors, who primarily play in western Iowa. SBL is 30-13 and placed 4th in the Missouri River Conference, which features fellow state qualifier Bishop Heelan. The Warriors and Dutch have identical team batting averages (.277) and similar on-base marks (Pella – .403; SBL – .406); but Pella hopes its best in Class 3A ERA of 1.66 will be the difference.

Full interview with Jablonski:

Live coverage of Pella state tournament baseball begins at 4:45 this afternoon on 92.1 KRLS.