Eagles bow out of North Putnam sectional

Friday, May 29, 2015
Jake Carmichael winds up a throw to first base after stopping the ball. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

ROACHDALE -- There wasn't much that South Putnam's baseball team was able to do against WCC rival Cascade in the North Putnam sectional Friday. Cascade jumped out to a quick lead and went on to a big 19-1 win.

Eagle coach Zach Love believed that his team never gave in just as the Eagles have done all year.

"We've had our share of losses this year," Love said. "But the kids continued to work hard. I'm very appreciative of that. They gave the effort. Just too many times our effort came of short."

Love said his team's determination came from the six senior leaders on the team. Braxton Lucas, Jake Carmichael, Zane Crosby, Aaron Cole, Jacob Schroer and Tyler Vandermark will be graduating this year and Love believes his seniors set a good example all season.

"We had really strong leadership from our six seniors," Love said. "I'm really proud of their effort and attitude. I know it's tough with spring sports, when you are thinking about graduation and college and the next step. They were still able to buy in and I am very appreciative of that."

Love said he hopes his senior Eagles were able to pass some of their optimistic approach on to the younger players.

"They have positive attitudes," Love said. "It's a pretty resilient group, which on a night like tonight we just made too many mistakes. This group they picked each other up throughout the season. They worked with the younger guys.

"We had several younger guys in some spots and they needed someone there to lead. That's where the seniors stepped in."

South Putnam will have a large senior class next season with six juniors returning but the Eagle coach is also excited about younger additions to his team.

"We have some pretty good young talent, some JV guys that are ready to step up to the next level," Love said. "We've got a strong group of eighth-graders that are anxious to play some high school baseball. So with that along with our underclassmen, we've got strong players in some spots and hopefully we can build that into a successful season."

IHSAA sectional 44

At North Putnam

Cascade 277 30x x -- 19 13 1

S. Putnam 001 00x x - 1 2 6

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