Biermann does it all as Rams knock out HCHS

 GLENWOOD (July 5) -- Harlan Community softball coach Brooke Schaben liked her team’s chances going into Thursday’s Class 4A first round regional game at Glenwood, and history was on her side.
 On June 14, the Cyclones split a Hawkeye Ten doubleheader against the Rams, totaling double-digit hits against Glenwood pitcher Sydney Biermann in a 10-1 game-one victory.
 Biermann was also the Rams’ starting pitcher on Thursday, but the difference in results was staggering to say the least.
 Allowing just one Harlan base runner the entire way - a sharp fourth-inning single by Morgan Schaben - Biermann pitched an impressive one-hit shutout and provided all the scoring with a third-inning two-run homer to lead Glenwood past the Cyclones 2-0.
 Biermann (14-9) struck out only three but walked none and showed great command within the strike zone, inducing 12 infield ground balls and three infield pop-ups to go along with line-drive outs to herself and second baseman Kelly Embray (who fielded six grounders) and one fly ball to the outfield.
 HCHS junior Morgan Schaben (10-11) pitched a gem as well with six innings of three-hit ball, four walks and 12 strikeouts, but made one mistake to Biermann that carried over the right-center field fence two batters after Brooklyn Taylor drew a base-on-balls.
 Glenwood (19-12) advanced to Saturday’s Region 2 semifinal round at ninth-ranked Lewis Central and lost 4-0. The Cyclones finished 15-17 overall and have now lost three straight first round regional games, including twice at Glenwood.
 While Biermann cruised through most of the game and recorded many early-count outs, Schaben battled through long counts against Glenwood’s patient hitters and threw 114 pitches. The Rams put their leadoff batter on base in four out of six innings, including Erin Stanley’s leadoff double in the second, but scored just the one time.