The Logan County High School baseball team’s amazing season came to an end on Tuesday after they fell 2-1 to the St. Xavier Tigers from Louisville in the first round of the KHSAA state tournament in Lexington.
The Cougars almost had the game won against the number two ranked team in the state, but LCHS fell just short in extra innings.
The Cougars and Tigers had an intense battle throughout the entire game. The game was scoreless throughout the first seven innings. The Tigers had some opportunities offensively, but Cougar pitcher Caleb Bruner shut them down quickly.
After the seventh inning, with the teams still tied 0-0, the two teams continued the game in extra innings. The Cougars were up to bat at the top of the eighth.
The big hitter for the Cougars, senior Dustin Cartas, stepped up to the plate and made it to first on error. Matt Harper hit next for the Cougars and sacrificed to get Cartas to second base. Ian Woodall would strike out, leaving the Cougars with two outs and Cartas still on second. When it looked like the Cougars were not going to get a run, Cody Hunt stepped up to the plate and hit a fly ball to right field.
Hunt’s hit would end up driving in Cartas to put the Cougars in the lead 1-0 for the first time during the game. Ryan Basham would ground out, sending the Cougars to the bottom of the eighth.
Even though he had been pitching all game, Bruner stepped up on the hill to finish the game out for the Cougars. Bruner struck out the first batter and the second batter flied out to Gage Hales in center field. The third batter for the Tigers stepped up to the plate and Bruner pitched him two strikes and one ball. The Cougars were one strike away from winning the game, when the batter got hit by the ball.
The Tigers had one on base when the next batter doubled, resulting in runners on second and third base. The Cougars intentionally walked the next batter, resulting in bases loaded. The Cougars only needed one more out to seal the win, but the Tigers would come up ahead.
The next batter hit a ground ball to second base, the ball was bobbled resulting in a run scored. The game was tied 1-1 when the Tigers coach sent the runner from third to home. The Cougars were a split-second late to getting the out, but the Tigers would end the game up 2-1, ending the Cougar baseball season.
“I’m so proud of the guys and their effort. This has been one of the most enjoyable seasons. They did exactly what they could and they didn’t quit the entire game,” said head coach Ethan Meguiar. “Caleb Bruner did a good job and this is a tough loss for him. He battled through the whole game.”
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