Metro Sports Report

Evans, Jenks lead parade to Drake

Linn-Mar High School distance runners Josh Evans and Stephanie Jenks could turn the Drake Relays into their own distance carnival this week.

Evans, a junior, ranks first in the state in the 3200 meter run, second in the 1600 and second in the 800.

Jenks, a freshman and the 2012 state cross country champion, ranks first in the 3000 meter run, second in the 1500 and third in the 800.

All three distance races will be held on different days at the Drake Relays this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but it remains to be seen if Evans and Jenks will push themselves to compete in all three events.

Gravelle joins MSR staff as reporter

Steve Gravelle, who spent 17 years at The Gazette in the news department, has joined the Metro Sports Report as a general assignment reporter.

Gravelle will write news stories and features for the Metro Sports Report.

"We are delighted to have a reporter with Steve's ability and experience join our staff," said MSR president Jim Ecker. "He will be a great addition to the team."

Local players in pro baseball

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers)) - Started in right field Sunday and was 0-for-4 in the Quakes' 8-2 loss to High Desert. Season stats: G - 15, Avg. - .315, AB - 54, H - 17, HR - 2, RBI - 10, SB - 1.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Lansing (Blue Jays)) - Started at third base Sunday and was 0-for-4 in the Lugnuts' 7-5 loss at Fort Wayne. Season stats: G - 10, Avg. - .206, AB - 34, H - 7, HR - 0, RBI - 2, SB - 0.

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Iowa (Cubs)) - Started in right field Sunday and was 1-for-4 in the I-Cubs' 1-0 loss at Memphis. Ryan also was 1-for-1 as a pinch-hitter Saturday. Season stats: G - 12, Avg. - .385, AB - 39, H - 15, HR - 3, RBI - 8, SB - 0.

Lost weekend for Kirkwood ballclub

FORT DODGE - The Kirkwood baseball team, struggling to score runs, dropped its second straight doubleheader to Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge Sunday.

The Eagles scored only three runs in four games all weekend and were shut out twice.

Iowa Central swept Sunday's doubleheader, 2-1 and 3-0.

Iowa Central swept Saturday's twinbill, 4-0 and  3-2, as the Eagles wasted good pitching of their own.