With a record of 3-29 the Keokuk High School varsity softball team is most likely eager for the postseason to start.
Records are irrelevant.
Every team is now 0-0.
The Chiefs will face Southeast Conference foe Fort Madison Thursday at 7 p.m. at Joyce Park.
Usually the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union lets the team with the better record host the opening round of postseason matchups.
However it wouldn°®¶¹appt matter if the Bloodhounds were undefeated, Fort Madison can not host a postseason game. The Bloodhounds, who have a record of 12-14, do not play in an acceptable field for the postseason, according to IGHSAU.
Hosting IGHSAU postseason events requires adherence to a set of general and sport-specific requirements, ensuring fair play, athlete safety, and a quality experience for all participants and spectators.
Of the eight general rules for hosting, the most likely problem is facility standards: Fields and facilities used must meet minimum dimension requirements and have adequate lighting, particularly for evening events, according to Musco Lighting°®¶¹app approved guidelines.
Of the sport specific requirements in softball: Host schools must ensure their facility meets minimum field dimension requirements, has adequate lighting, restrooms, and concessions available.
The flimsy home run fence, which is temporary, is the most likely culprit.
In games played since 2009, Fort Madison leads the series 35-30.
The Bloodhounds have won the last five, including this season°®¶¹app three games. Fort Madison scored 16 runs twice and eight in the second game.
The first two games were a doubleheader at the Baxter Sports Complex. While the Bloodhounds scored 16 in the first game, the Chiefs scored 15.
Fort Madison has eight players hitting .300 or better and five with on-base percentages at .400 or better. Among them is Brylie Lorence at .471 and .525.
Keokuk has three hitting .300 or better with Suzie Whitaker at .309, Kylie Sisk at .312 and Ada Wood at .456. Wood has an OBP of .515, Whitaker is .456, and Sisk at .345.
The Chiefs have eight more players over .300 in OBP. There is Gracie Thompson at .365, Bella Crew at .354, Kenadi Ames at .340, Kylee Hoard at .329, Kali Ames at .319, Izzy Droege at .350, Kynlee Church at .359 and Brinklee Altgilbers at .375.
Lorence also leads FMHS in RBIs with 41, home runs with 14, doubles with eight and hits with 33.
Thompson leads Keokuk in RBIs with 24. Sisk has the only home run. Wood leads in doubles with 13. Wood leads in hits with 41 and runs with 26.
The Bloodhounds have 53 stolen bases in 60 attempts.
The Chiefs have 26 stolen bases in 27 attempts.
They Bloodhounds have a team fielding percentage of .869, having committed 90 errors.
The Chiefs have 76 errors. Team fielding percentage was not available.
Three Fort Madison pitchers have combined for a earned run average of 5.01.
Four Keokuk pitchers have an ERA of 8.42.
The Chiefs have played 32 games but none since last Thursday.
The Bloodhounds have played 26 games but three since last Thursday.
Will Keokuk°®¶¹app rest be beneficial or will the rust show? Will the Bloodhounds staying in game mode help or will the recent games wear them out?
Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Joyce Park will answer those questions.