-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Cael Adams of Fort Dodge pitches against Webster City on Tuesday

The Fort Dodge baseball team ended the regular season in style with a 16-0, four-inning victory over North Central Conference co-champion Webster City on Tuesday at McNeil Field.

Head coach Blake Utley’s Dodgers tied a school record with their 32nd win before tournament play, equaling the total of the 2012 state runner-up squad. Fort Dodge will carry a 32-8 mark into Friday’s Class 4A substate opener at home against Waterloo West.

“I’m just really proud of our guys,” Utley said. “A 32-win season doesn’t come around very often, and they’re not done yet. They’re a very goal-oriented group…they’re focused and they work hard to attain those goals. It doesn’t happen by accident. There’s no magic button.

“It’s great to see them together and on the same page, playing like and acting like a veteran ballclub.”

The Dodgers are just that despite having a small senior class. Jaxson Dencklau and Caiden Fraher were recognized on Tuesday, and even though the duo represents a miniscule portion of FDSH’s statistical prowess, Utley called them both “invaluable pieces to this puzzle.”

“I know it’s only two guys, but I’m not sure I’ve ever had a senior class that brings so much positive energy to the table,” Utley said. “Jaxson leads from experience and by example. He always has a smile on his face even though he doesn’t say much. And Caiden fills whatever role we need. He embraces those opportunities and does it with a good attitude.

“They both just epitomize being Dodgers. This is a junior-dominated team, but these (2026) seniors have really paved the way for them and set an example for how to handle the leadership responsibilities moving forward. The program comes first.”

Junior Tru McBride continued his banner campaign with a grand slam during Fort Dodge’s 12-run explosion in the third inning. McBride’s home run, his 12th, is the most by a Dodger since Eddy Diosdado hit 13 in 2009. And McBride’s RBI total of 56 is a level no FDSH player has reached since Andy Josephson’s program-record 67 in 1996.

McBride now ranks second in the entire state – all classes and players – in homers and third for runs batted in.

Freshman Hayden Porter also went deep for the Dodgers and knocked in three runs. Junior Davis Underberg came through with a key early two-run single.

Junior Cal Pederson scored three times with a double and two walks. Pederson also drove in two.

That was more than enough firepower for sophomore Cael Adams, who worked three scoreless innings on the mound to earn the victory and move to 6-1 on the year.

“Cael pitched really well and did what he needed to do,” Utley said. “The offense took a while to get going, but once they did the third time through the order, things took off. Davis had a big hit, Tru just keeps putting up big numbers, and Hayden and Cal had nice games. We were patient (with 14 walks) and just took what they gave us.”

Dencklau and Fraher teamed to work the final frame on the mound. It was the first-ever varsity pitching outing for Fraher.

“That was a special moment for both of them,” Utley said. “Jaxson doesn’t pitch a ton, and for Caiden, being able to tell him to take that catcher’s gear off and go get the final out…priceless.

“They’ve had a year to remember. Now the focus shifts to the postseason.”

Fort Dodge opens at home against West (13-19) on Friday in a Class 4A substate quarterfinal. A victory could set up another showdown with rival Mason City (32-8), who will take a 15-game win streak into tournament action against Ames (18-19).

Fourth-rated Waukee (26-10) is on the other side of the bracket.

The Lynx (21-9) start 3A substate play on Friday at Gilbert.

FORT DODGE 16, WEBSTER CITY 0 (4)

Webster City 000 0 – 0 2 0

Fort Dodge 31(12) x – 16 5 1

WP-Cael Adams (6-1; 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K). 2B-FD: Cal Pederson. HR-FD: Tru McBride, Hayden Porter. SB-FD: Davis Underberg, Jaxson Dencklau.