The Washington Warriors wrapped a streak of competitive matchups before they set their eyes on the Regional tournament.
They had wins over Lindsay (12-2), Lone Grove (6-1) and Class 2A No. 9 Hartshorne (8-6).
They lost to Class 2A No. 2 Oktaha 9-8.
Dax McCaskill went 2-3 with a home run and a double against Lindsay.
Canon Stewart struck out four batters over three innings before Cam Bates came on in relief. Bates struck out three batters in two innings and gave up no hits or walks.
Against Lone Grove, McCaskill homered again on the way to a 2-2 day.
Tristin Babbitt had a big day on the mound, striking out nine batters and nearly throwing a complete game. Kaden Clary came on in relief and pitched to the final batter of the day.
The Warriors got off to a bumpy start against Oktaha, digging themselves into a 5-1 hole to start the game.
“We didn’t pitch well early,” said head coach Jeff Kulbeth. “We finally settled in and rallied to a 7-5 lead. We played better late.”
Washington pushed one run across the plate in each of the first and second innings before taking the lead with a four-run fourth. Washington scored another run in the fifth but Oktaha answered with four of their own.
Washington scored one more run in the seventh but they weren’t able to tie the game and fell 9-8.
McCaskill homered and tripled and Bates parked two deep bombs.
In the Hartshorne game the Warrior offense was firing.
“We swung the bats really well and played really good defense,” Kulbeth said. “We struggled pitching day one but day two was better.”
Sutton Moore was 2-4 with two homers.
Bates doubled and tripled, Stewart doubled and Reese Stephens tripled.
The fourth inning was key for the Warriors because they scored four of their eight runs in the frame.
Nate Roberts, Kade Norman and Bates handled the pitching via committee and struck out seven batters collectively.
The Warriors, now 24-8, hosted Millwood for the Bi-District tournament on Wednesday.
Washington will also host a Regional tournament. They’ll find out the other teams coming next week from the OSSAA.
“Guys will get opportunities and we’ll have a ‘next man up’ mentality these playoffs,” Kulbeth said.
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