The top ranked team in class 2A, the Riverside Bulldogs saw their season come to an end Monday night after a 3-2 loss to the Logan-Magnolia Panthers in the 2A Region 4 Final. In a low scoring game, the Bulldogs got off two and 2-0 lead thanks to back-to-back doubles. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they didn’t generate a lot of offense after the opening inning. Panther pitcher Campbell Chase allowed just two base hits the rest of the way. Although Peyton Schafer pitched well, Logan-Magnolia came up with the big moment in the sixth as Gracyn Stone doubled off the wall in left-center to give the Panthers a 3-2 lead. Although the Bulldogs would threaten in the sixth, they were ultimately unable to push one across as stone shut things down in the seventh as the Panthers upset the Bulldogs.
It was Riverside that had all the momentum early. After stranding a pair of baserunners in the top of the first, the Bulldogs opened their half of the inning with back-to-back doubles from Sophia Fenner and Adaline Martens to take an early 1-0 lead. After a pair of pop ups, Sydney Somers came through with a base hit to extend the lead. After stranding another panther in the second, Riverside had the opportunity to take a dominant lead. The Bulldogs had two runners with one out and the top of the lineup back at the plate. However, Chase was able to work herself out of a jam to prevent the Bulldog lead from growing.
That sparked a momentum swing that turned the favor to the Panthers. In the third, the Panthers were all over the base paths. Maria Kiger dropped down a bunt to third that scored a run to put the panthers on the board. Then later in the inning, Abyagail Guritz singled to tie the game. Logan-Magnolia nearly took the lead in the third, but Riverside grabbed the force out with the bases loaded to avoid falling behind.
As the game continued on, both teams had runners aboard at various points throughout the game. However, it was apparent that Riverside was working harder to keep the Panthers at bay. As the ballgame continued, it felt like the outcome was likening to be decided by a single moment, and unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Logan-Magnolia capitalized in the sixth. After a walk to Kennedy Evans, the lineup turned over for Gracyn Stone. After a passed ball and a called strike, Stone got a hold of a change up and send off the wall in left-center. It easier scored Evans and put Stone in scoring position to possibly extend the lead. Although Schafer would hold the line, the big moment both teams had been searching for belonged to Logan-Magnolia.
The late inning double from Stone gave Riverside little time to find a response. Although they would threaten in the bottom of the sixth with two runners in scoring position, they were unable to bring home the tying run. Then in the seventh, Campbell shut the door retiring the Bulldogs in order. All in all it is a loss that will sting for Riverside. Not because of the way they played, but because of the promise that was beyond. However, as painful as it might be, it should not detract from an incredible season that the Bulldogs put together.
Head Coach Darrell Frain on what made the difference.
Frain credited stone’s performance for a large part of the lack of offense.
Despite the loss, Schafer still had a strong game. However, as a sophomore, she still has time to grow
He also had lots of praise for his seniors.
The Bulldogs finished the season with a record 25-6. In addition to their run to the region final, their season included winning 23 of their last 26 games and being ranked the top team in class 2A.
