Sullivan Post 18 Baseball Team Falls Short In Debut To St. Peters
The Sullivan Post 18 AA Junior Legion baseball team lost 7-5 in their debut against St. Peters on Thursday, June 1. They played with all their heart, but fell short in a highly competitive debut. Despite losing, Sullivan exemplified their strengths as a team in this game, showcasing a dynamic offense and chemistry-filled defense.
The first inning began with an early score by St. Peters. Adam Knobbe hit a pop fly and reached on an error by right fielder Jansen Loeb, giving Grant Bishop the chance to make the first run of the game. Then Jake Atwell hit a ground ball that went far to center field, allowing Sam Gawedzinski to run to home plate, 2-0.
Sullivan took the bat and shook off some of their rust. Gibson Halbert hit a right field ground ball and Kaden Smith scored for his team, making it 2-1. With bases loaded, Dustin Lappe walked to first and Alex Toews made it home. Nate McReynolds hits a ground ball inside the mound, allowing Halbert to score the third run. A far ball was then swung by Anden Carey and Dylan Jones slid to home plate, Sullivan now leading 4-2.
St. Peters came back at the top of the third when Jon Jezik made it home after the ball slipped right past catcher Anden Carey’s glove. Then Adam Knobbe stole home, tying it at 4-4. Sullivan took the bat, with the dugout chanting names in hopes of picking up the score, but were unlucky.
Start of the fourth, Jordan Barrett popped out to center fielder Brennan Bouse. Then Jack Gnandt ground out from a throw from second baseman Smith to first baseman Beau Beckett. Post 18 at bat, and Bouse slid to home plate on Toews, grounding into fielder’s choice. Catcher Gawedzinski tried to tag him, but he was safe. Sullivan now led, 5-4.
Then in the fifth inning, St. Peters came back when Bishop doubled a right-field far ball and Ryan Shipley made it home. Tied 5-5, St. Peters unleashed their dominance to secure the victory. Bishop scored on an error by Carey, putting St. Peters in the lead at 6-5. Then McReynolds missed catching the ball, and Gawezinski made it home. St. Peters led Sullivan, 7-5. The Post 18 team tried to regain some momentum, but struggled in getting the same success they had before.
Their defense was successful in stopping St. Peters at the top of the sixth and seventh, but their offense failed to make home plate for the rest of the game. Despite Sullivan losing to a highly-skilled St. Peters team at 7-5, these juniors have extraordinary chemistry with one another and are very passionate for the game. They are an exciting baseball team to watch and will have a lot of talent to show this summer.