CLARINDA, Iowa — Des Moines started its 2023 season with a 9-6 record and looked like one of the best teams in the MINK League. A seven-game losing streak flipped the season on its head, and Des Moines never really recovered.

But the Peak Prospects will go home winners of three of their last four, capped off by a 4-3 win in Clarinda on Friday.

Des Moines finishes the season 19-25, while the A’s drop to 25-16 with two games left.

With two outs in the top of the 9th, Alex Berreth (FR, NIACC) hit a routine fly ball that disappeared over the lights in center field and landed in front of an outfielder for a single. Three pitches later, Weston Barber (FR, SWCC) ran home on a wild pitch for the go-ahead run.

Declan O’Hare (Covid-JR, Central College) started and threw four innings, giving up two runs. Luke Broderick (FR, Iowa Western CC) threw two innings in relief and gave up an unearned run, while Houston Wedgeworth (FR, East Central CC) closed the game with no runs on four total bases.

Clarinda took a 2-0 lead after the 1st on a pair of RBI triples by Cole Warehime and Anthony Pomilia.

Des Moines equalized in the top of the 2nd on a 2-out, 2-RBI double from left fielder Cade Grevengoed (FR, Northeast CC [NE]). In the 3rd, right fielder Tanner Short (FR, Ellsworth CC) singled with two outs for an RBI to put Des Moines up 3-2.

The Peak Prospects led until Clarinda’s Cord Dobrinski walked with the bases loaded, also with two outs.

After Barber scored the go-ahead run, Wedgeworth got the win. He struck out a batter with one out while Joey Little tried to steal second.

Catcher Liam Gilbert (FR, East Central CC) threw to shortstop Colin Evers (SO, NIACC), who applied the tag.

The Des Moines Peak Prospects would like to thank all the parents and fans for their support this season. If any college baseball players and/or recent high school graduates are interested in joining us in 2024, please email dmpeakprosmink@gmail.com.