-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Shane Halligan of Fort Dodge makes a play for the Dodgers.

Just like that, the Fort Dodge baseball team has gained momentum and confidence heading into the postseason.

The Dodgers finished off their regular season here Tuesday night at Ed McNeil Field with a 5-0 victory over Carroll for their sixth consecutive victory.

Carson Peterson improved to 4-0 with seven strikeouts over five innings, Mason Bockoven continued his hot ways with a double, and four players drove in a run each.

“The guys are playing with a lot of confidence,” FDSH head coach Blake Utley said. “Not that long ago, we were on the other side of things. I just love these guys and this group. No matter the good or the bad, they come ready to work.

“Now, we can enjoy this and know our best baseball is still ahead of us.”

Fort Dodge (16-23 overall) will head to Ankeny on Friday night to begin Class 4A substate play. First-pitch is set for 7 p.m.

Dylan Zimmermann had two hits, including a double, and drove in a run, with Drake Miller, Shane Halligan and Jace Ulrich each plating a run.

Miller and Zimmermann each got in an inning on the mound, striking out a combined three. Peterson allowed just two hits over his five innings with four walks.

“Carson just got better as the game went on,” Utley said. “He was struggling with his command early, but we know what he can do and he got better.

“Drake and Dylan did a fantastic job coming in just to stay sharp.”

Miller, who is also attending Shrine Bowl practices ahead of Saturday’s game, was one of three seniors to likely play for the final time at Ed McNeil alongside Drew Callon and Anthony Wagner.

“Those guys are special,” Utley said. “They have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this program over the past five years. From future Dodger camps to youth baseball, it’s been great seeing them turn into outstanding people both here and in the community.”

Carroll’s lineup included Ty and Kayd Nissen, the sons of 2000 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Lance Nissen. Ty, a sophomore, got the start on the mound, pitching three innings to Kayd, a senior catcher.

FORT DODGE 5, CARROLL 0

Carroll 000 000 0 — 0 3 1

Fort Dodge 110 030 x — 5 7 0

WP–Carson Peterson (4-0, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 7 K, 4 BB). LP–Ty Nissen (6-3, 3 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 K, 1 BB).

2B–FD: Mason Bockoven, Dylan Zimmermann. RBI–FD: Drake Miller, Shane Halligan, Dylan Zimmermann, Jace Ulrich.