Cascade entered Wednesday’s District 9-A elimination game with a clear goal: get an early lead and ride the momentum to Wednesday’s nightcap for a rematch with the Forrest Rockets.
- Cascade senior Tyler Wilson safely slides into third base during the Champs’ four-run third inning on Wednesday night.
Though Cascade got the early offensive boost, the Vikings’ bats came through in the clutch and scored seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings combined to end the Champs’ season. Having taken advantage of five second-inning errors by the Community Vikings, everything appeared to be going to plan.
“We got a lead and that’s what we wanted to do. We just didn’t finish. It’s just a frustrating way to end the season,” Champion coach Brandon Bassham said.
Though Cascade saw its early 1-0 advantage dwindle away by the end of the second inning, the Champs took advantage of an uncharacteristic defensive performance by the Vikings in the second inning.
The Vikings committed a crushing five errors, allowing the Champs to drive in four runs. With a 5-2 advantage and starting pitcher Brandon Keel dealing on the bump, it appeared to be smooth sailing for Cascade to the rematch with the Rockets for a potential chance to play for the district championship.
But little by little, the Vikes continued to chip into the Champs’ advantage.
Community picked up one run in the bottom of the third when Ryan Fears ground out to first, but saw the Champs answer right back when Chandler Monajjem scored on a passed ball in the top of the fourth.
While it was an offensive struggle for Community through three, senior J.D. Parker ignited the Vikings with a two-out single to the 5-6 gap in the bottom of the fourth. He scored during the next at-bat when Jason Fox doubled to right.
The Vikings carried the momentum into the fifth with lead off singles by Zeke Grissom and Austin Cagle.
Community loaded the bases on a bunt by Fears, but plated the first run of the inning on a Champion error at second base.
Tyler Broiles hit a sac fly to center field, tying the game at six runs apiece.
Following the momentum of the fifth, Viking reliever Quinn Frost recorded a 1-2-3 sixth, setting up the devastating five-run bottom half of the frame.
Though the Vikings struggled with errors and miscues early, Community was able to take advantage of a mix of hot bats and Champion errors in the field to drive in the need runs to secure the win.
“We went up there with a purpose. We went up there and attacked, instead of letting pitchers get in pitchers’ counts. Some guys really stepped up and drove the ball into the gaps,” Davis said.
On the mound, junior Dillon West got the start, but only went 2 1/3 innings before running into trouble in the third, prompting Viking coach Robbie Davis to turn to Frost.
“In the first game, Dillon wasn’t in his normal groove that he’s been in. We went and got Quinn and then the offense worked,” he said.
Though the Champs closed the year on a two-game skid in the district tournament, the young Cascade team still managed to win 17 games after losing eight seniors a year ago.
“Seventeen wins–not a bad year. We were so close; I think we had five, one-run losses. Any time you step up (in classification), it’s going to be a challenge,” Bassham said.
Although Cascade is moving up to Class 2A, the Champs will return every pitcher next year, and graduate only one senior this year.
Despite losing just the one senior in Tyler Wilson, the void he leaves will be a tough one to fill.
“I can’t say enough about what he (Wilson) has meant to this team. He’s just got so much heart. He was the rock for our team,” Bassham said.
With a daunting task of jumping up in classification on the horizon, the Champs will hit the weight room in the off season to prepare for next year.
“We just have to come in and work hard and compete. This is probably the most important summer we’ll have,” Bassham said.
“Hopefully we can step up at the next level.”
Source: ChrisSiers TimesGazette
