State Championship Title Quest: Johnston Dragons Shut Out Linn-Mar

Capitalizing on a slew of walks and wild pitches, Johnston High School beat Linn-Mar 2-0 Wednesday in the quarterfinal game of the Class 4A Iowa high school state baseball tournament. 

Family, friends and fans of the Johnston Dragons -- wearing purple and gold -- filled the home of the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines to support their team.

The Dragons picked up just one hit — a double to leadoff the sixth inning — but walked eight times and scored twice on wild pitches, the Des Moines Register reported.  

Dan Hawks' son, Joe Hawks, was playing in the game. Dan said is proud of his son and the team. 

"I'm really proud of my boy," Dan said. "He did a great job and the team has confidence. He did well, he hit all the spots and couldn't do any better. I am very proud."

Loren Jacobsen's son, Conner, also played. 

"It was an absolutely phenomenal game," Loren said.

Margaret Fogelson and her husband were at the game cheering on her grandson. The Fogelsons' grandchildren attend Johnston schools and are all involved in athletics. 

"Joe was fabulous," Fogelson said. "The boys all did a fabulous job. We watched them come up all through school, even some from Little League, we are very proud of them."

Diane Welsh came to support her grandson, who played in the game.

"I'm so very proud of these kids," Welsh said. 

Johnston plays in the semifinals Friday, Aug. 2, at 6:30 p.m. against either Des Moines East or Davenport North.