by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek was one out away from advancing to the second round of the Select School Division IV playoffs, but 15th seeded St. Edmund plated two unearned runs to walk off with a 5-4 victory Wednesday night.
The Cougars (12-19) led 4-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning before St. Edmund scored two runs to close the deficit to 4-3.
Then in the bottom of the seventh with two outs and the bases empty, St. Edmund registered back-to-back singles followed by a walk to load the bases. The ensuing batter worked a full count before a ground ball was misplayed by the Cougars, allowing the game-tying and game-winning runs to cross the plate.
“It’s unfortunate,” said head coach Chad Yates. “We had ourselves in a good position to win a baseball game, and we couldn’t finish. Going into the 6th with a three-run lead and (Kade) Luker pretty much cruising, you’re feeling pretty good about it.
“A couple of walks and a couple of unfortunate plays on the infield in the 6th that did not go our way allowed St. Edmund’s to cut the lead to 4-3. Luker’s pitch count was up there and he was able to get the first two outs in the 7th, but we had to go to the pen and we couldn’t secure the final out.”
Creek got the game started off when Luker hit a solo home run to right field, giving the Cougars the early 1-0 advantage. Luker finished the game 2-for-3 with one run and two RBI.
St. Edmund tied the game in the bottom of the first, scoring an unearned run on a fielding error by the Cougars outfield, one of three miscues by the Creek defense in the box score.
Creek retook the lead in the top of the third inning on a single by Ryan Coleman and a subsequent error by the Blue Jays, allowing Connor Yates to cross home plate for the 2-1 advantage.
The Cougars added two more runs in the fourth. Micah Taylor doubled and then scored on a bunt single by Cason Floyd and a throwing error by St. Edmund. Luker then plated Floyd on a sacrifice fly. Taylor joined Luker in the two-hit club for the game.
The score remained 4-1 until the bottom of the sixth.
Luker allowed three runs – one earned — on only one hit and four walks while striking out six in 6.2 innings of action.
“Hats off to St. Edmund for finding a way to continue their season,” said Yates. “I am proud of the way our guys competed. I hate it for our seniors but certainly appreciate all their efforts they gave to Cedar Creek baseball.”
