Aplington-Parkersburg’s Preston Janssen proved to be a key part of the baseball team’s postseason run. The junior was the starter in the substate final win over Roland-Story and the state quarterfinal against New Hampton.
In the substate game, he led a defensive effort that held the opponent to just one run. The second member of the starting rotation, he compiled an impressive 2.04 ERA in 48 innings pitched, along with only 17 walks issued. Head Coach Brett Kleespies says Janssen will be a key part of the future rotation, especially with the graduation of most of this year’s staff.
“He did a heck of a job and pitched two great games, the one to get us to state and then one here at state,” Kleespies says. “Preston’s been really good for us the last two years. Big things coming for his senior year. And I know after the game here, he’s already ready to get back to work.”
Janssen started eight games and had one relief appearance. His season record was 3-4. When not pitching, Janssen has been a key piece of the Falcon infield.
The Falcons went 18-8 and appeared in the program’s first state tournament.
