​CLARION — Reece Blaisdell’s brilliance and an early surge at the plate were more than enough to push Class 2A No. 2 Roland-Story past Pocahontas Area and into the state baseball tournament.Blaisdell threw a complete-game shutout as Roland-Story cruised to a 4-0 victory over Pocahontas Area in the 2A Substate 2 championship game on July 14.Roland-Story AD Andrew Lundgren (left) celebrates with Norsemen baseball team as he brings them their state qualifier banner following a 4-0 Class 2A Substate 2 championship victory over Pocahontas Area on July 14 at Clarion.”We expected it,” said Blaisdell. “We’re going to continue this run and see what’s in Carroll.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBlaisdell only gave up five hits and one walk during the game. He finished with eight strikeouts in an impressive big-game outing for a young hurler who is only a sophomore.”This is what I play for,” Blaisdell said. “I love it.”More: How Roland-Story became one of the top baseball teams in Class 2ABlaisdell gave the Pocahontas Area lineup constant fits with his ability to hit the fastball on the outside corner. As a result, he did not need to use many pitches to keep the Indians off the scoreboard.Pocahontas Area only had one hit over the first four innings.The Indians put together a small threat in the top of the fifth when Adam Marsh was hit by a pitch and Xander Small singled to left to start the inning. But Blaisdell struck out Brayden Hudson, forced Gabe Halligan to fly out to Norse second baseman Jake Knoll in shallow right field and then caught Blake Shimon looking on another strikeout to get out of the inning unscathed.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMore: Cael Faber’s perfect game helps Roland-Story baseball roll in district openerThe Indians mounted another rally in the sixth when Isaiah Dolan drew the only walk by either team and Coen Hamman singled to right to put runners on first and second with just one out. But Blaisdell forced the next two batters to hit pop ups.In the top of the seventh Blaisdell slammed the door shut on the Indians all on his own by striking out the side.”Every time I go on the mound I just try to go after everyone,” Blaisdell said. “Stay aggressive and try not to let anyone on base. I didn’t have to use much off-speed — (my) fastball was definitely working.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRoland-Story’s deep lineup was also on display during the game.Braden Wallace, the team’s No. 5 hitter, was the star offensive player of the game after hitting a two-run single with two outs in the bottom of the first. He later added another single in the bottom of the third.”No matter where I’m at in the lineup, if people are on my goal is to get them in,” said Wallace. “Just try to keep a simple approach.”More: Ballard baseball drops extra-inning game to Boone in substate semifinalsAyden Frey doubled and scored on a grounder from Jake Knoll in the third inning to account for Roland-Story’s third run. The final Norse run