CARROLL, Iowa — During a rollercoaster season for Des Moines, one thing has remained rather consistent: the Peak Prospects have played the Carroll Merchants well.

In the final meeting of the regular season between the two teams, Des Moines (16-22) won its fifth out of seven meetings with Carroll (18-19) by a score of 8-2.

The Peak Prospects out-hit the Merchants by a simple measure of 6-5, but they took advantage of six Carroll errors, seven walks, and two batters hit by a pitch.

Colton Clarahan (FR, Southeastern CC) got the win, giving up one run (earned) on two hits, four walks, and three strikeouts.

Luke Broderick (FR, Iowa Western CC) and Houston Wedgeworth (FR, East Central CC) each threw two innings in relief. Broderick garnered two strikeouts, and Wedgeworth struck out four batters and gave up no hits.

In the top of the 2nd, right fielder Diego Morales (FR, Bryant & Stratton [VA]) hit a 2-RBI single, and then left fielder Cade Grevengoed (FR, Northeast CC [NE]) scored on a fielder’s choice.

Carroll cut the deficit to 3-1 when Ethan Cole scored on a wild pitch.

Des Moines scored four runs off of errors in the 6th. Morales and Grevengoed went home when center fielder Carter Thomas (FR, Wayne State [NE]) reached. Thomas and substitute left fielder Cole Hillman (FR, Hutchinson CC) went home on a reach from third baseman Alex Berreth (FR, NIACC).

Carroll’s Jordan Brandenburg hit an RBI single in the bottom of the 6th. Des Moines led 7-2.

In the 7th, first baseman Declan O’Hare (Covid-JR, Central College) scored on another fielding error.

Des Moines remains two spots in the North Division for a trip to the MINK League playoffs.

The Peak Prospects travel to St. Joseph on Saturday for a meeting with the Mustangs at 7 p.m. CT.