MEEKER | Cowboy baseball came down to the wire Sunday during the opening games of regionals, it was a fight to the end. Meeker ranked 30th, and a clear underdog with a 9-13 record, took on Rye, the number three team in the state with a 22-3 record.
“We as coaches really appreciate the effort the young men gave to the game this season,” began head coach Donald Blazon. “Each player improved as the season progressed. We had ups and downs but the most impressive part of it all is the team chemistry in the dugouts.”
Liam Deming pitched four of six innings, holding Rye to no score for the first four innings, only allowing three hits and two runs. Jonathan Fitzgibbons came in during the fifth and shut them down in the sixth. At the top of the seventh the Cowboys were up 4-3.
When Rye came up to bat in the bottom of the seventh the Cowboys held them off, but a couple of untimely errors allowed the Thunderbolts to score two runs and seal the 5-4 win.
Scoring for the Cowboys was spread across the bench with Clay Crawford, Jake Blazon, Fitzgibbons, and Damek Chintala each scoring.
This game wraps up the season for seniors Deming, Trinden Powell, Ty Goedert, Chintala, Peter Hanks, and John Hampton Hightower.
“These ball players held it together when our backs were up against the wall, constantly challenging each other in practice to be at their best in games,” said Blazon, “We are honored to be able to teach and coach each of you.”
Coach Blazon has some thank you’s from the team
“Big thanks to the ERBM, especially the field crew, they did a great job on the field. Also, thanks to Rich Klinzmann for traveling to all of our games and streaming them. I know all of the fans really appreciated that. Whether you think you CAN or think you can’t—you’re right!
By TIFFANY JEHOREK – Special to the Herald Times
