-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Lucas Williamson of Fort Dodge lays down a bunt against Ames on Thursday

Lucas Williamson executed a perfect bunt to plate Nate Scherff, lifting the Fort Dodge baseball team to a 5-4 victory over Ames here Thursday night at Ed McNeil Field.

The Dodgers completed the doubleheader sweep with a 5-1 victory in the nightcap.

After falling behind 4-2 early, Fort Dodge (9-17 overall) plated two runs in the seventh to tie it on a Tyrnan Lara two-run homer, his fourth of the season.

“Ames went to make a change and bring an infielder in and that’s when I said let’s do it,” Utley said after the bunt in the ninth. “Marshalltown did it to us, so I probably have to thank Steve (Hanson) for that. It’s nice to be at home and be able to make the decision to do it.

“Our guys played with a lot of heart and guts. I have to give Luke credit for putting the ball in play. I just had that feeling and it was great to see it happen.”

Lara finished the first game 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBI and two runs scored. He also pitched the final four innings, striking out two and not allowing a hit to earn the win on the mound.

“Tyrnan is just locked in,” said Utley, who picked up his 100th career coaching victory. “He did a nice job of coming in and pitching and then hitting.

“His home run was hit hard and a long way.”

Nate Scherff had two hits, as did Williamson, with Brycen Bell and Shane Halligan each driving in a run.

In the nightcap, Fort Dodge got the scoring going with four runs in the fifth. Lara drove in two more with a double, while Keaton Jones also had an RBI.

This marked Fort Dodge’s first doubleheader sweep since beating Des Moines North back on May 31, 11-1 and 12-4.

“We talked to them about the excitement of the win and the momentum carrying over,” Utley said. “We wanted them to understand that they want to win just as much as we do.”

Drew Callon worked the first four innings, allowing just three hits and striking out four before Scherff relieved him in the fifth, earning the victory on the mound.

“Drew pitched a strong game and then Nate came in and got the win,” Utley said. “We know in 4A right now, anybody can beat anybody.”

Ames (10-15) was coming off a split with third-ranked (Class 4A) Waukee and a sweep of Ankeny. The Little Cyclones started the year 5-0 before losing 12 of 14.

The Dodgers are off until Monday when they travel to Mason City.

FORT DODGE 5, AMES 4 (9 inn.)

Ames 004 000 000 — 4 4 2

Fort Dodge 020 000 201 — 5 8 4

Drake Miller (5 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 4 K, 3 BB), Tyrnan Lara (W, 2-1, 4 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 K, 2 BB) and Shane Halligan. HR–FD: Tyrnan Lara. RBI–FD: Tyrnan Lara (2), Lucas Williamson, Brycen Bell, Shane Halligan.

FORT DODGE 5, AMES 1

Ames 000 001 0 — 1 5 2

Fort Dodge 000 041 x — 5 5 2

Drew Callon (4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 K, 2 BB), Nate Scherff (W, 3-3, 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 K, 2 BB) and Shane Halligan. 2B–FD: Tyrnan Lara. RBI–FD: Keaton Jones, Tyrnan Lara (2).