Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Junior Tyrnan Lara of Fort Dodge was named a second team all-CIML Iowa Conference baseball selection.

The Fort Dodge baseball team didn’t like the way the 2017 campaign looked from a record standpoint, but the program is pleased with the direction it’s headed.

The Dodgers landed four players on the talent-packed all-CIML Iowa Conference squad recently, and all four are scheduled to return next season.

Junior Tyrnan Lara was a second-team infield selection, and sophomore Drake Miller was on the second team as an outfielder.

Junior Nate Scherff and sophomore Drew Callon were honorable-mention choices.

Lara, who made the transition from catcher to third base, paced the Dodgers from the batter’s box in home runs (six), batting average (.326) and RBI (21). He also went 2-3 on the mound in 42• innings pitched.

“If you look across the conference, our league is loaded with good players and Tyrnan could play on any of those teams,” said FDSH head coach Blake Utley. “He’s just starting to tap into his full potential. His confidence is growing. He got bigger and stronger.

“I’m excited to see his senior season, and what’s in store for his future.”

Miller, who was a first team all-CIML honoree in 2016, batted .313 and drove in 16 runs with four homers for the Dodgers. He led the squad with 28 runs scored, 10 doubles and 25 walks.

“Drake is one of those guys that’s just a leader. He was chosen as a captain as a sophomore by his teammates,” Utley said. “He plays older than what he actually is. We moved him to third in the lineup toward the end of the year, because we wanted to get Drake and Tyrnan back-to-back (in the order).

”Drake could go 0-for-6, but he still treats the game like he was 6-for-6. The guys look toward him and Tyrnan to lead the way.”

Scherff hit .274 with 17 RBI. He recorded 37•innings pitched, and led the staff in wins with four.

“This was Nate’s first full varsity season (Scherff was injured in 2016). Although his expectations were a lot higher, he had a good year,” Utley said. “On the mound, (opposing coaches) always took notice. He has all the tools and confidence, and I think he’s also one of the best outfielders in the conference. He has a plus arm and tracks the ball well.”

Only a sophomore, Callon was at the top of the Dodgers’ pitching rotation. He finished 3-3 with a team-best 1.98 ERA and 53 strikeouts. Callon pitched 56ª innings.

“Drew came in as a sophomore and was our No. 1 starter. He’s about 140 pounds dripping wet right now, so that’s a big load for a smaller body to take on at his age,” Utley said. “He had a sub-2 ERA and has three pitches that he can throw for a strike. His best days are still ahead, as he gets bigger, stronger and more experienced.”

Fort Dodge went 13-28 overall this past season, suffering a 2-1, eight-inning setback in the Class 4A substate quarterfinal round at No. 9 Indianola.

Two of the six CIML Iowa Conference members reached the state championship round: Johnston, the eventual, winner, and West Des Moines Dowling. The Dragons (41-3), Maroons (36-9), Urbandale (28-15) and Mason City (26-18) all finished the regular season ranked in Class 4A’s Top-10, with Johnston, Dowling and the Mohawks qualifying for the state tournament.

ALL-CIML IOWA BASEBALL

First Team

P — Jack Dreyer, Johnston; Ben Probst, Dowling.

C — Caleb Kuennen, Johnston.

IF — Hunter Dingman, Mason City; Drew Beazley, Johnston; Carter Troncin, Urbandale; Sam Olson, Dowling.

OF — Robbie McCargar, Dowling; Andrew Nord, Johnston; Dylan Voves, Mason City.

UT — Nathan Buckallew, Johnston; Nate Vance, Marshalltown; Brock Skoog, Urbandale.

Second Team

P — Andrew Zimmerman, Johnston; Colin Lacey, Dowling.

C — Derek Hackman, Johnston.

IF — Tyrnan Lara, Fort Dodge; Peyton Williams, Johnston; Josh VandenBerg, Mason City; Alex MacGregor, Johnston.

OF — Drake Miller, Fort Dodge; Peyton Kruger, Dowling; Weston Schultz, Mason City.

UT — Michael Van Riessen, Urbandale; Trey Wiegemann, Mason City; Noah Gyldenvand, Dowling.