Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Loghen Schnetzer of Fort Dodge hits a home run at Rogers Park earlier this season.

SIOUX CITY — The third-ranked (Class 5A) Fort Dodge softball squad was all business against Sioux City North on Friday, sweeping the Stars by scores of 9-1 and 10-1.

The Dodgers (28-6 overall) used strong pitching performances and a big day from slugger Loghen Schnetzer to win twice. Jalen Adams (19-2) surrendered only four hits and didn’t allow a single earned run in the opener, while Haley Wills and Katelyn Werning combined to toss a four-hitter in the nightcap versus North (20-12).

Schnetzer had two home runs and four RBI in game one, then added another solo shot in game two. The junior now has 12 homers on the year, which ranks third in Class 5A.

In the first contest, Fort Dodge finally broke through with a six-run sixth inning against Hailey Hoogers (19-8) — the 5A leader in strikeouts. The Stars senior kept the Dodgers at bay through the first five frames, but wound up surrendering nine runs on 13 hits.

“It took some time,” FDSH head coach Andi Adams said. “Hoogers kept us in check, but we didn’t strike out at all against her, and she has 168 on the year.

“We had a decent day. Some ups and downs. Loghen came up big for us twice at the end (of game one). We still committed too many mistakes, especially in (the opener, when the Dodgers had four errors). That kind of thing can come back to haunt you at the worst possible time.”

Freshman Martyne Lowrey had four hits on the day, contributing a pair in both contests.

“It was great to see Martyne get in there, show some aggressiveness and confidence at the plate, and catch the second game for us,” Adams said. “I’m very proud of her. She’s doing what we need her to do.”

Sophomore Chloe Wertz finished with two hits in both games. Tristin Doster, also a sophomore, went deep in the 9-1 win.

Freshman Tory Bennett drove in a pair of runs with a double in the first contest, and had a double, an RBI and two runs scored in the nightcap. Senior Aubrey Davis was 2-for-2 with two runs scored in the opener.

Adams extended her on-base streak for the year to a perfect 34 games.

Wills gave up two hits and struck out four. Werning worked the final two frames for Fort Dodge, which plated three runs in the second inning and two in both the sixth and seventh.

“It was good to get back at it after missing Tuesday’s (twinbill at West Des Moines Valley due to rain) and having the 4th off,” Adams said. “We were treated really well over here; (North head coach) Brent (Eickholt) bought us pizza because of the long trip, which was nice. We really appreciated that.”

The Dodgers return to action on Monday at home against Mason City. Fort Dodge then faces second-rated West Des Moines Valley at Rogers Park on Tuesday.

FORT DODGE 9, SIOUX CITY NORTH 1

Fort Dodge 000 006 3 — 9 13 4

SC North 000 001 0 — 1 4 2

WP–Jalen Adams (7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K). LP–Hailey Hoogers (6.1 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 0 BB, 0 K). 2B–FD: Tory Bennett. HR–FD: Loghen Schnetzer 2, Tristin Doster. SB–FD: Daphne Alstott 2.

FORT DODGE 10, SIOUX CITY NORTH 1

Fort Dodge 131 102 2 — 10 7 1

SC North 000 000 1 — 1 4 3

WP–Haley Wills (5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K). LP–Courtney Johnson (7 IP, 7 H, 10 R, 6 ER, 6 BB, 3 K). 2B–FD: Tory Bennett. SCN: Courtney Johnson. 3B–SCN: Karsyn Hicks. HR–FD: Loghen Schnetzer. SB–FD: Sophia Klinger, Daphne Alstott, Loghen Schnetzer.