Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Jaxson Dencklau of Fort Dodge makes a throw to first base on Thursday at McNeil Field against Waterloo East. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Fort Dodge head baseball coach Blake Utley didn’t downplay the significance of Thursday night’s sweep over Waterloo East here at Ed McNeil Field.

Scores were 6-4 and 10-0 in favor of the Dodgers.

“It was huge and just what we needed,” Utley said. “We came in at 9 a.m. and took (batting practice) and afterward, (assistant) coach (Connor) McLeod and I talked about just how big this doubleheader was. It’s the second time through the (Iowa Alliance Conference) and a chance to take a series and really the season series, too.

“We came out and really showed what we can do.”

Sophomores Royce Pederson and Landen Grandors each earned wins on the mound for Fort Dodge, as Pederson struck out eight batters and Grandors allowed just six hits with two strikeouts.

“Just great outings from those guys, and Nathan Beekman came in for Royce and closed the door,” Utley said. “We didn’t play completely clean games in the field, but we did enough to give ourselves a chance to win.

“And when we needed a big inning at the plate, the guys stepped up.”

Fort Dodge (14-12 overall) scored in all five innings of the 10-0 win, including three in the first and four in the second. Jace Johnson had two hits, while Dalton Rosalez, Pederson and Karch Smith each drove in a pair.

Drew Moritz and Pederson scored twice.

Rylan Kingery and Smith each had a double as the Dodgers drew eight walks and stole three bases. They also worked eight walks out of Trojan pitchers in the nightcap.

Rosalez had three RBI in the 6-4 victory, with Pederson and Jaxson Dencklau each recording two hits. Jase Nekvinda scored twice and Ty Adams stole two bases.

“It was good to see us continue to apply pressure even when we got the lead,” Utley said. “After a split at Des Moines Lincoln, it feels great to come back home and take two from Waterloo East.”

Fort Dodge returns to action on Monday when they head to Mason City for another conference doubleheader.