No question about it, Zach Rohlf had been awaiting this game for months.

It was so long ago the Davenport North senior had asked his coach for the ball, for this assignment against Davenport West.

And on the biggest of regular-season stages, in a summer of victories few and far between, Rohlf delivered.

The Wildcats and Falcons got to play like professional ball players for a day at Modern Woodmen Park, home of the River Bandits, as North (13-14, 3-9 Mississippi Athletic Conference) earned a split with a 5-2 victory Wednesday.

"Some of these kids, it's the only chance they're going to get to play in a (professional) park," North coach Cory Wachal said. "To play West (here), an intra-city team, it's a great opportunity for us."

The St. Ambrose University-bound Rohlf went the distance on the mound, scattering nine hits over seven innings and utilizing nine strikeouts to erase several jams. West (17-10, 5-7) stranded seven runners, including five in scoring position.

"I loved this. It was a great experience and I wish we could do it again," Rohlf said. "We've played at Clinton (at Alliant Energy Stadium), but I never really had a chance to pitch there, so as a senior, I wanted to pitch here."

Rohlf also got it done at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two walks and three RBIs, including the pivotal two-run single to break things open in the fourth inning.

West pummeled North 13-1 on Monday in part one of the doubleheader.

The Falcons were busy on the basepaths, as seven different players banged out a hit. But defense proved key on this day, as North was spotless in the field while West made five miscues.

"The loss against West on Monday, we made some errors," Wachal said. "(Today) we got runners on and got the big hit when we needed it, but most importantly, we played defense."

The Falcons belted out a pair of RBI triples, both aided by the cavernous outfield unknown to high school outfielders.

"It's awesome, they get to see their mug shots on the (score)board out there," West coach Chad Jones said. "It's a great environment ... the kids get a little more nervous, and obviously so. It's a very nice park."

Added North catcher Joey Schlueter: "A pro park is just a better atmosphere to play in. I wish we could get this as our home field."