MASON CITY — The Fort Dodge baseball team earned a split with Mason City here Thursday night.

After dropping the opener, 4-1, the Dodgers responded in the nightcap, posting an 8-3 victory. Freshman Will McElroy pitched five-plus innings, allowing just two hits while striking out a pair to earn the win on the mound.

Backing McElroy was Rylan Kingrey, as the junior went 3-for-4 with two runs, an RBI and three steals. Jaxson Dencklau worked two walks and scored twice from the leadoff spot while Tru McBride, Jace Johnson, Dalton Eckley and McElroy all had an RBI.

Landen Grandors recorded the final five outs in relief, striking out one while allowing just one hit.

“Will pitched well,” FDSH head coach Blake Utley said. “Our pitchers competed. We made the plays (in game two) that were hit to us, and when we do that, we are extremely tough to beat.

“Landen got his first experience of the season and looked good. I’m proud of the pitchers; it was fun to watch.”

Fort Dodge scored two in the first, two in the second and two more in the seventh, adding single runs in the third and fourth.

“Rylan was outstanding at the plate with a big hit late,” Utley said. “We came out and answered after they scored.”

In the opener, Johnson had two hits with Davis Underberg scoring the lone run. Tanner Peterson pitched all six innings, striking out three with six hits and no walks allowed.

The Dodgers head to Sioux City on Friday to play Sioux City East at 1 p.m. and Sioux City West at 4 p.m.