The CAM Cougars didn’t quite have their A-game on Monday night and fell to a strong New London Tigers squad 12-3 in the Class 1A Quarterfinals of the State Baseball Tournament in Carroll.  The Cougars pitching staff surrendered 10 walks and hit three other batters. New London took full advantage of those base-runners along with some defensive miscues to run away with the win.

The Tigers scored their first run in the first inning on a missed put-out by CAM at second base on a steal attempt. The ball squirted out into center and Josh Catala, who earned a walk to lead off the game, came strolling in to score. The Tigers then put up 4 runs in the 2nd. One run was walked in and then Dereck Santiago belted a 3-run double to push the lead to 5-0. Both teams got a run in the third, then the Tigers added 2 in the 4th to make it 8-1. CAM got two in the 5th on a double by Joe Kauffman but the Tigers stole momentum right back with three more in the bottom half of the frame and added a final run in the sixth.

Dereck Santiago got the win for the Tigers, going 4 1/3 with 8 strikeouts, 3 walks, 6 hits and 3 runs allowed. Josh Catala and Brenden Richey finished the game off. The Tigers improved to 29-1 and will play in the Semifinals on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.

Lane Spieker took the loss going 3 innings with 8 strikeouts, 5 walks, 4 hits and 6 runs allowed. Joe Kauffman and Drew Ticknor finished the rest of the way and both struggled at times to find the zone. They combined for 5 more walks and three hit batters. CAM ends a great season at 27-3.

CAM Head Coach Dan Daugherty gave a lot of credit to New London.

Coach Daugherty reflected on a phenomenal group of seniors that led the way for CAM.

Lane Spieker blamed himself for the uncharacteristic amount of walks he gave up. He was proud of what the group has been able to do for CAM athletics.

Fellow senior Joe Kauffman was grateful for his time with this group and their list of accomplishments.

Hats off to the CAM Cougars on a great run in 2022.