Game Recap: Gretna vs. Papillion South

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RBI hits in the fifth inning by Gretna’s Caleb Schnell and Mick Huber powered the Dragons to a victory in state over Papillion La-Vista South, 4-2.

Early on it appeared as though PLVS starter Brayden Curtis would go deep into the game after striking out first two hitters on six pitches. However, a walk and hit-by-pitch set up a two-run double from Rusty Wortman to put Gretna up 2-0.

In the top half of the inning, Gretna outfielder Caden Boswell cut down a run at the plate with a laser throw to set the tone early. It would foreshadow what was to come for a Gretna team riding high after defeating Bellevue West in the opening round.

Papio South finally got to Charles Thomas in the third inning after back-to-back hits began the inning. A balk plated a run as well as an errant throw by Skyler Graham who tied the game at two, after taking advantage of the miscues.

The Titans continued to get runners on base but could not seem to get the big hit they needed. In the third inning, they left the bases loaded along with leaving two on base in two other innings.

The tide slowly began to turn in the fifth inning as Papio South got two, two-out hits putting them within striking distance. However, an accurate throw from Boswell again got Gretna off the field unharmed and gave them momentum which they carried to the plate.

Gretna struck in the bottom half of the inning that started with a groundout back to the pitcher. A single by Brayden Chaney and a double from Boswell gave the Dragons runners on second and third with only one out.

Coming to the plate with a good approach, Huber took a fastball the other way and grounded out to score a run. Schnell then followed that up with a fastball that he belted to center field for an RBI single, and a 4-2 lead.

Wortman, who began the game as the catcher, came in to close the final inning and did just that as he retired the side in order. That now marks back-to-back wins by Gretna against some quality opponents in the state tournament.

Gretna advances to take on Creighton Prep at 7:00 p.m. on Monday night, with Papio South taking on Burke in an elimination game at 4:00 p.m.

Notable Performances:

+ Charles Thomas (Gretna) 6IP, 9H, 2ER, 2K’s, 2 BB

+ Caleb Schnell (Gretna) 2-2, RBI, HBP, R

+ Rusty Wortman (Gretna) 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI

+ Trenton Brehm (PLVS) 2-4, R

+ Josh Greene (PLVS) 2-3, R