5A State Semifinal Kingwood Park vs Northwest Eaton

Eaton put 2 quick runs on the board in the bottom of the first and Kingwood Park pitching and defense would bend, but not break in what became a game for the ages.

Eaton starting pitcher Jarod Seals was wildly effective through 2, holding Kingwood Park batters hittless, while Eaton pitching struggled to get out of the first before giving up an early 2-0 lead to the Eagles.  However, Kingwood Park would prove that they couldn’t be held down, scoring 2 of their own in the 3rd to tie the contest on a single by Ryan Long that scored 2 Panther baserunners.

Seals would be lifted in the 3rd to make way for Cade Winquest.  Winquest would allow only 1 hit in his 4 2/3 innings of work, with that lone baserunner falling victim to a 4-6-3 double play.  Winquest was consistently at 90-92 with his fastball and KP hitters struggled to catch up.

Eaton had their chances in the 7th, but Sportscenter worthy plays by Kingwood Park would prevent a regualtion win for the Eagles.  First, Webber hit a hard comebacker to the pitcher that ricocheted off the pitcher’s leg and went airborne to the first baseman.  The first baseman came down with the ball and raced to the bag, diving to beat Webber and get the out.  Then to end the inning, Winquest hit a deep line drive fly to center, where center fielder Bryson Jackson made a tremendous diving catch running backwards.

Kingwood Park’s luck would not hold out, as their bats came up empty in the top of the 8th.  In  the home half of the inning, Eaton led off with a hit by pitch,  followed by a fielder’s choice that allowed Zach Wilson to reach first base.  Sean Kline followed that up with a double, pushing Wilson over to third base.  Wilson would then score on a Colbie Fritchen single to the left side,  giving Eaton their first State Championship baseball playoff birth.

Cade Winquest was the THSB Player of the Game, throwing 4 2/3 innings of shutout baseball while striking out 6.

Score by Innings     1     2     3     4     6     7     8     R     H     E

Kingwood Park       0     0     2     0     0    0     0     2     4     2

Eaton                        2     0     0     0     0     0    1      3     7      1