Inside a packed McNeil Field — with more than 10 scouts in attendance and a venue packed with fans — Brecht did not disappoint. The future Iowa Hawkeye closed out an Ankeny sweep, pitching his squad to a 9-0 win after they took a 19-8 victory in the opener.

“I just try to zone (the atmosphere of the crowd) out and play catch with my catcher,” Brecht said. “Both physically and mentally, I just have to trust God. I trust in the abilities He has given me, and I trust that He will let me go out there and execute.”

The 6-foot-5 Brecht, who is slated to play wide receiver for head coach Kirk Ferentz in Iowa City, allowed only a Christian Davidson hit in the sixth inning. He struck out 14 batters.

The senior topped out at 98 miles per hour on the night, averaging 93 to 94 on his fastball.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Brody Brecht of Ankeny pitches against Fort Dodge on Wednesday at McNeil Field.

Dylan Zimmerman and Eli Elsbecker reached on free passes for FDSH.

Brecht also had two hits at the plate in the second contest and reached base three times.

Ankeny’s Jase Bauer had three hits, while Weston Fulk had two hits and drove in four runs, including a three run homer.

Brecht enjoyed his debut at Ed McNeil Field.

“It’s a really cool stadium,” Brecht said. “I’ve never played here, so it was cool to see the ivy and experience the atmosphere.”

Utley was pleased with the way his team approached the difficult task.

“Our guys were excited about the chance to face Brecht,” Utley said. “The guys had a little chip on their shoulder and they didn’t back down.”

In both contests, it was big innings by the Hawks that kept the Dodgers at bay. Ankeny scored six runs in the seventh of the nightcap to break open a 3-0 contest.

Sophomore Carson Werning, who had pitched one inning before Wednesday, gave a strong performance for the Dodgers. Werning worked six innings, allowing seven hits with one strikeout and two walks. He gave up only two earned runs.

“I’m super proud of Carson in his first varsity shot,” said Utley. “He is around the zone a lot. He missed the big part of their bats and really tossed a great game.”

In the first affair, the Dodgers held a 6-5 edge heading into the top of the fifth. Ankeny scored eight in the fifth and six in the sixth, though, to pull away.

Davidson, Jace Ulrich and Connor Carver had two hits each. Davidson recorded a double and an RBI. Ulrich had a double and drove in four.

“In both games it came down to too many mistakes,” Utley said. “Ankeny is a great team with a lot of terrific players. They wear their uniforms differently.”

The Dodgers are back in action on Thursday at Des Moines Roosevelt.