Entering the fourth week of the baseball season, Highland junior Chase Rath is among the best strike out pitchers in the state of Iowa. In 26 innings on the mound, Rath has compiled 50 strikeouts, the second best in Class 1A baseball and has recorded the third most in the state regardless of class.

Rath has posted 13 or more strikeouts on three occasions, including twice in the last 10 days. He fanned a season-high 18 batters in a 10-1 victory over the Keokuk Chiefs (4-14 overall) on June 4. His next start, he struck out 13 players during an 11-2 victory Friday at West Burlington (8-4 overall).

The Huskies (9-4 overall) have won nine of their first 13 games, sitting second overall in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference standings behind the Mediapolis Bulldogs (11-6 overall). Highland travels to Packwood tonight, resuming league play against the Pekin Panthers (5-3 overall).