It came down to the final batter and Cade Ticknor came through with a huge strikeout to seal the CAM Cougars 5-4 win over the Bedford Bulldogs in the Class 1A District 13 Final on Saturday night in Anita. CAM came back from an early 2 run deficit to grab a lead and hang on the rest of the way. Bedford had the tying run at third and the go-ahead run at 2nd when Ticknor struck out Jordan Perkins to end the game.

Bedford jumped on top in the 3rd inning with 2 runs on 2 hits and an error from the Cougars. CAM would answer back in the 4th with a big inning. The Cougars sent 8 batters to the plate and were able to reach Bulldogs ace Brennan Sefrit for 6 hits in the inning. The Cougars scored 4 runs on those 6 hits and left one runner stranded. Ben Tibken highlighted the inning with a 2RBI double.

CAM added another run in the 5th on an RBI single from Lane Spieker. That run proved to be very important as the Bulldogs scored twice in the 6th to close the gap to 5-4. Brennan Sefrit then led of the 7th with a single. Tristen Cummings bunted Sefrit over for the first out. Dylan Smalley then drew the only walk given up by Ticknor all night to put runners at first and second. Silas Walston popped out to short. Then a passed ball allowed Sefrit and Smalley to slide over a base, putting that go-ahead run at 2nd. Ticknor came through then with his 6th strikeout of the game. After the game Ticknor talked about that big moment.

CAM Head Coach Dan Daugherty said the guys seemed to get on track at the plate the second time around against Sefrit.

Coach Daugherty is proud of what this strong group of seniors has accomplished.

The Cougars will now face St. Albert in the Substate 7 Final on Tuesday night. The Falcons racked up an easy 16-1 victory over Sidney on Saturday to advance. CAM was able to knock off the Falcons three years ago to earn a trip to State. Cougars Senior Jacob Holste said they are excited for the opportunity to meet the Falcons again.

We’ll have that game for you on Tuesday night on KJAN with pregame at 6:45 p.m. and first pitch at 7:00 p.m. The game has been scheduled to be played in Clarinda.