DES MOINES - Dennis Olejniczak refused to let health problems stand behind him and a trip to the state baseball tournament.

Unfortunately, Decorah's stay at Principal Park was a short one.

The Vikings dropped out of the 3A field Tuesday, as Norwalk posted the 4-1, first-round victory.

Olejniczak, second nationally in victories behind Kee High head coach Gene Schultz, was hospitalized Sunday with an irregular heartbeat. He left the hospital Monday and make the trip here with his team.

The Vikings (22-14) tried, very, very hard to extend Olejniczak's trip. They tied the game briefly in the third inning at 1-1 and threatened repeatedly to take charge against Norwalk and star pitcher Matt Dermody.

Dermody, a Pittsburgh Pirates draft choice and University of Iowa recruit, would not yield when a crisis mounted, especially in the fifth inning. Decorah loaded the bases with nobody out, but the left-hander struck out the next three Vikings to end the rally.

Overall, Dermondy fanned 13 while allowing eight hits.

Decorah starter Tyler Smith kept the Vikings close en route to the complete game. But a hit batter and a walk to start the Norwalk fourth set the table for a key inning. Warrior catcher Chase Breeser, a .206 hitter on the year, stroked a two-out, two-run single to put Norwalk (26-13) ahead to stay.

The Warriors play top-seeded Boone in Friday's 3A semifinal round.

Norwalk 001 200 10 - 4 5 4

Decorah 001 000 0 - 1 8 3

Matt Dermody and Chase Breeser; Tyler Smith and Blake Moen. WP: - Dermody (8-4); LP - Smith (8-5).

2B - Smith (D), Andy Sacquitne (D). 3B - Sacquitne (D). Multiple hits - Breeser (N) 2, Robbie Jewell (D) 2, Sacqutine (D) 2. Multiple RBIs - Breeser (N) 2.