COLUMBUS — Triad’s baseball team had been nearly flawless during its six-game run to reach the Division IV state championship game here Saturday. But a rocky start against Newark Catholic proved costly.
|
Triad’s Trevor Instine attempts to tag Newark Catholic’s Nick Cavinee at home plate during Saturday’s Division IV state championship game at Huntington Park. Cavinee was called safe on the play. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MATT HAMMOND) |
The Cardinals allowed four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, and despite a valiant comeback attempt, they could not overcome their early struggles in a 5-4 loss to the Green Wave at Huntington Park.
“If you make mistakes, they are going to capitalize on them,” said Triad coach Will Nichols. “Their experience helped them.”
It was Newark Catholic’s second straight state championship and ninth overall.
The last of the four state championship games played Saturday, Triad and Newark Catholic waged a three-hour battle that saw a steady rain fall for much of the contest.
Triad had allowed only one run in six postseason games coming in, but the Cardinals’ pitchers had a tough time finding the strike zone Saturday. Triad allowed nine walks and hit four batters.
After Triad threatened but left the bases loaded without scoring a run in the top of the first, Newark Catholic sent eight batters to the plate in a bottom of the first inning that seemed like it would never end for the Cardinals.
For the full story and game results,
pick up a copy of Monday’s Bellefontaine Examiner.
CLICK HERE to subscribe.
WEB EDITION STARTING AT $9.50 FOR 5 WEEKS!