by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek split a pair of midweek tilts on the diamond as the Cougars fell 1-0 to Ouachita Christian on Tuesday before bouncing back with a 16-0 win over Lincoln Prep Wednesday.
The win over Lincoln Prep clinched a spot for the Cougars in the best of three series against Glenbrook for the District 1-1A title.
In Tuesday’s loss to the Eagles, Cedar Creek (11-12) was unable to cash in on a stellar pitching performance by sophomore Kade Luker. During the complete-game, seven-inning effort, Luker allowed just one run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven.
“Our pitching and defense was great,” said head coach Chad Yates. “Luker dominated on the mound. But we let a bases loaded with nobody out opportunity get away from us in the first inning. From that point on, we didn’t put enough competitive at bats together to put pressure on their defense.”
Cedar Creek managed just two hits in the game as Gavin Hall and Noah Smith each registered singles.
The Cougars loaded the bases in the bottom of the first on a walk, hit by pitch and error. However, Creek was unable to plate a run.
“Hats off to their pitcher.,” said Yates. “He just outcompeted us tonight. We have to be tougher outs at the plate.”
The lone run of the game came in the top of the fourth on a single to centerfield with two outs.
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In Wednesday night’s district win over Lincoln Prep, Cedar Creek plated seven runs in both the first and second innings and coasted to the 16-0 win in three innings.
The Cougars capitalized on nine walks and three hit by pitches in the victory.
“The team bounced back with energy today,” said Yates. “We swung the bats well and were able to get all of our guys in the game.”
Creek utilized five hits, two walks, a hit batter and a Panthers error in the first inning to take a 7-0 lead.
Connor Yates, Brett Bell, Ryan Coleman, and Micah Taylor all registered RBI hits in the frame.
The second inning saw more of the same as Lincoln Prep pitchers walked six, hit a seventh, and surrendered seven runs with J.B. Robinson recording the only hit of the frame.
Robinson (1.2 IP), Eli Slocum (1.0 IP) and Yates (0.1 IP) combined to throw a three-inning no-hitter while striking out six and walking none.
“It was good to get back out after the 1-0 loss to OCS the night before,” said Yates.
The win secured Cedar Creek’s spot in the best of three District 1-1A championship series against Glenbrook on April 4 through 6.
