Comets begin new era with 10-3 win over Vikings

By John Burbridge
sports@charlescitypress.com
CHARLES CITY — For a while there, it seemed like the “new” normal was going to be much like the “old” normal.

After spotting Decorah a 2-run lead, the Charles City Comets rallied for 5 runs in the second inning and 4 runs in the third while giving indication that this would yet be another shortened affair of the like that were primary victories for the Comets in recent past.

And the Comets weren’t exactly tearing the cover off the ball during the early going against the Vikings in both teams’ belated season-opener at the new Charles City Sports Complex.

Decorah, perhaps shaking off a little rust while starting a season that many believed wouldn’t happen, gave the Comets four … five … six outs during these rallies.

And this without the awaited “historic” first home run hit on the field.

That honor went to sophomore catcher Ashlyn Hoeft, whose solo blast in the fifth inning gave the Comets a 10-2 lead on the way to a 10-3 final, which did go the distance albeit Charles City not batting in its half of the seventh.

It was questionable that Hoeft was going to play softball this year. She had already sat out the entire basketball season due to a knee injury.

For the first time in four years, the winning opening day pitcher for the Comets wasn’t someone named Sami Heyer.

Junior Dani Reetz got the complete-game win as only 1 of the 3 runs scored off her was earned.
Reetz was also 2 for 4 with an RBI double.

Sadie Gebel was was 2 for 4 with an RBI, and freshman Ava Ellis has 2 RBIs for the Comets, who will be back in action on Wednesday with a Northeast Iowa Conference away game against Crestwood.

Ellie Luzum was 2 for 4 with a double, and losing pitcher Avery Shelton had an RBI double to drive in the first run of the game for the Vikings.

As expected, the opener drew a substantial crowd, much of which lined the outfield fence. There were also fans seated in the bleachers behind the backstop, but not to full capacity.

Fans were encouraged to maintain “social distancing” from those other than immediate family members.
Other guidelines discouraged fans from chasing down foul balls — designated “chasers” were assigned along the first- and third-base sides of the field.

NOTE: Those attending the Comets home baseball doubleheader opener against New Hampton on Tuesday are advised to park in the middle school parking lot — the high school lot will be unavailable for parking.