MASON CITY — It took third-ranked (Class 4A) Fort Dodge a little while to get going against Mason City, but once they started scoring runs, it was hard for the Riverhawks to stop.

The Dodgers (18-6 overall) swept Mason City (11-11) for the second time this season on Monday, winning 6-0 before cruising in the nightcap, 20-7.

Fort Dodge outscored the Riverhawks 26-6 in the first twinbill at Rogers Park, and a combined 52-13 in the four victories.

The Dodgers have won 23 straight against the Riverhawks, not losing since 2017. They are 39-5 since 2005 versus Mason City.

“I know we’re supposed to sweep them on paper, but nothing is a given,” said FDSH head coach Andi Adams. “We can’t overlook anyone. Everyone is still learning what their teams can or can’t do at this point. We can’t take anything for granted and we are learning every single time out — that’s the most important thing.”

In the opener, the Dodgers held a 1-0 lead through five innings before a four-run sixth gave them some breathing room.

Hope Alstott was 2-for-4 in the first contest and drove in a run. Lydia Lara had two RBI. Mackenzie McIlrath also drove in a run.

Ashlyn Wills and Lara both recorded triples, while Meah McCaleb and McIlrath registered stolen bases.

Lucy Porter (11-6) fired a four-hit shutout, striking out seven batters.

“The first game was competitive for a while,” Adams said. “Lucy pitched well, keeping them off balance. The defense made great plays.

“No runs on two outs — that’s been our focus. It’s an issue for us from time to time that we have to get shored up.”

In the nightcap, Mason City took a 2-0 lead through two innings before Fort Dodge blew the door open in the third and fourth frames. The Dodgers scored seven in the third inning and sixth in the fourth, before ending the game with seven more runs in the sixth.

Cadence Touney had a two-hit performance and drove in three. Touney and Porter both had doubles.

Alstott, Lara, McIlrath, Porter and Brown drove in two runs each. McCaleb, Maggie Elsbecker and Ellie Doster drove in one each.

Every Dodger starter had an RBI.

The Dodgers stole 10 bases, led by Calliegh Zimmerman’s three and Elsbecker’s two.

“This team just keeps supporting each other,” Adams said. “They play for each other and communicate well. That’s the biggest difference — the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Lara (7-0) remained unbeaten on the season, striking out four batters and allowing nine hits.

On Saturday, the Dodgers lost in the semifinals of a rain-shortened FDSH Invitational, as No. 1 (2A) Iowa City Regina hung on for a 4-3 win. Porter had a two-run double for Fort Dodge in the sixth, but the contest was stopped due to inclement weather.

The Dodgers had routed Cedar Rapids Kennedy in the quarterfinals on Saturday, 10-1 in five innings. Lara was 3-for-3 with a home run, a double and seven RBI. McCaleb and Alstott added two hits each and both scored twice.

Porter didn’t allow an earned run while striking out seven in the mercy-rule triumph.

The Dodgers are back in action when they host second-ranked (Class 5A) Ankeny on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for a single varsity contest.