Clovers' baseball knocked out of sectional by Covenant Christian 6-1

Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Cloverdale junior Kade Schroer puts a tag on Covenant Christian's Matt LaBounty on a stolen base attempt. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

SPEEDWAY -- Setting a school record for wins and reaching the sectional semifinal wasn't enough for the Cloverdale baseball team, but it will have to do.

The Clovers (22-7) lost to Covenant Christian on Monday 6-1.

The two teams went to the bottom of the fourth with a 0-0 tie, but a series of close calls and frustration from Cloverdale swung to momentum to the Warriors.

"Today the thing we pride ourselves on (pitching and defense) didn't show up," CHS coach Brian Archer said. "And then offensively we just couldn't string hits together. Whether it be a two-out hit or a one-out hit with a guy on, we couldn't put anything together to get some runs tagged in."

Covenant Christian (11-14) lost to Cloverdale on April 20, 11-1.

The Warriors scored six runs in the fourth, knocking Cloverdale's starting pitcher, senior Justin Wilson, off the mound.

Wilson was replaced by junior Tyler Carter, who struggled with his command and lasted just one inning himself.

Warriors' starter Grayson Keehner was dominant in his complete-game effort. He stranded six runners on five hits and struck out four.

Cloverdale senior catcher Austin Mannan was 2-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored. Third-baseman Cody Carter was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Cloverdale seniors Will Andersen (right) and Brody Pfaff coordinate to catch a fly ball in left-centerfield on Monday. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

Will Andersen also singled.

Archer said despite the disappointing finale, the senior-laden roster had helped Cloverdale not just this year, but for years to come.

"We really came together as a team," he said. "We had great senior leadership. This group of seniors has put a lot of work into this year and they made the best of it.

"They really pushed everyone, including themselves. We talked before the season about finishing to the last out and giving everything they had and I think they did that. And they helped lead these younger guys who had to step in and play a little bit

"They got to see a little bit of what those seniors have done the past three or four years. I'm extremely proud of them."

He added that each senior provided a special role on the squad, and each will be missed, from the stars to the reserves.

"Wilson really dedicated himself the past few years to pitching," he said. "We needed him to be that stud this year, and he was."

Wilson set school records for wins in a single season (10) and career (22).

Austin Mannan, who will play college ball next season, also stood out.

"Everyone in our conference and county knew what kind of player he is, and he really lived up to that this year," Archer said. "He has unbelievable stats and he's a gamer.

"Will Andersen is versatile. He did a lot for us the past few years. He pitched, played center. We could move him in the infield if we needed to.

Cloverdale senior Cody Carter attempts to put a tag down on a baserunner from Covenant Christian on a pickoff attempt at third base. The runner was ruled safe, which helped change the momentum of the game and led to four more runs scoring. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

"Cody Carter is a bulldog. He goes at it. He's not afraid of anyone. When game-time comes, he knows what to do and he projects that on everyone else.

"(Nick Cupp and Brody Pfaff) added a lot of speed to our outfield this year. They really helped us out. There were some balls that they got to this year that a lot of kids couldn't have. They did a decent job at the plate this year, but having them in the outfield was a big plus.

"(Michael Woolvin and William Snyder) didn't get a lot of varsity playing time, but they're there everyday and practiced during the offseason. They stuck with it and I'm proud of them."

Among the players returning for CHS next year are shortstop Tyler Carter, second-baseman Kade Schroer, pitcher Brayden White and first-baseman Brantson Scott.

Covenant Christian catcher Eric Prather makes a highlight catch in foul territory against Cloverdale on Monday. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)



IHSAA Sectional semifinal
At Speedway

Cloverdale 000 001 0 -- 1 5 0 6
Cov. Christ 000 610 x -- 7 6 2 6

WP -- Keehner
LP -- Wilson (10-3)

2B -- C Carter

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