Warriors in Regionals

The Washington Warriors play Valliant today (Thursday) at 1:30 p.m. in Lone Grove to kick off the Regional baseball tournament.

Washington advanced to Regionals after defeating Chandler 10-1 and 14-3 in two games during the District tournament.

“We played well and did what we had to do,” said Warrior head coach Jeff Kulbeth. “We swung the bats really well that day.”

Washington had 10 hits in the game and it was a team effort to knock in those runners. 

Six Warriors had RBIs, including Kane Springer, Sam Hegeman (2), Dax McCaskill (2), Colin Pelton (2), Bobby Reese and Emitt Wilk.

Aden Hyde went the distance in a strong showing on the mound. He struck out four batters in seven innings of work and only gave up one hit and no earned runs.

In the second game Luke Keltner got the nod to start and was very sharp.

He struck out six batters, giving up one hit in three innings.

Camden Bates came on in relief and struck out five batters in two innings.

“It was two good outings by Luke and Aden,” Kulbeth said. “I gave Cam Bates a couple innings because he hadn’t pitched in a while.”

Dax McCaskill and Sutton Moore both had three ribbies from the plate.

Blanchard

Washington fell short Saturday against Blanchard in a 8-1 loss.

Bates scored Washington’s only run on a solo homer.

He went 3-4 and also had a double.

Washington had eight hits in the game, one more than Blanchard, but struggled to capitalize with runners on base.

“We played good,” Kulbeth said. “We saw their No. 2 and No. 3 (pitchers) but couldn’t get runs with guys in scoring position.”

Reese started the game at pitcher and Easton Berglan came on in relief. The pair struck out two Lions batters each.

Regionals

The Warriors travel to Lone Grove today (Thursday).

They open with Valliant (19-19) at 1:30 p.m.

“It should be a great day for baseball,” Kulbeth said. 

Lone Grove (33-0) and Perry (18-17) loom on the other side of the bracket.

“All these teams are good,” Kulbeth said. “Valliant is good and we’ve seen Perry and know they’re a scrappy ball club. Lone Grove has proven themselves. They’re 33-0 and anytime you go through a season and play that many games while going undefeated it says something.”

Washington spent the early part of the week prepping pitchers for what will be a demanding tournament.

“Every guy who has pitched this year will throw some in the pen today,” he said. “It’s all hands on deck and you try to be ready for anything.”

Washington is 20-11 this season.