Top 10 Postseason Games of 2012
December 31, 2012
Looking back on 2012, it was a great year. We covered a ton of baseball and below are the top two regular season games combined with the top 10 post season games. Some games are in because they were just great games, others for the simple importance of the games. Hope you enjoy the 2012 games of the year as much as we enjoyed covering them.
Top two regular season games
Chesterton Downs #1 Lake Central 4-3
Wed April 25, 2012
With two of the best "Region" and Top 25 State-wide pitchers on the bump, the Lake Central vs. Chesterton game was sure to be a great one. Jake Post (2012: Ohio State) took the rubber in the top half of the first, delivering fastball after fastball, striking out the first two hitters he faced. It was Senior Chase Fieldhouse (2012: uncommitted) who put Lake Central on the board early, delivering a moon shot home run to right field. Post would then calm down and retire the next six batters he would face; consistently 87-88mph on his fastball.
In the bottom half of the first, Lake Central's Jimmy McNamara (2012: Central Michigan) pounded the strike zone early, proving why is he one of the most effective pitchers in the state. Chesterton would answer Fieldhouse's home run with a walk by Brandon Jenks (2012: uncommitted), sacrifice bunt by J.R. Frederick (2012) and single by Nathan Crownover (2013). McNamara was consistently 83-86mph with great arm action on his off speed pitches.
Although the game was attractive with the starting pitchers, this game would be decided by defensive mishaps and timely hitting. Lake Central would score two runs in the top half of the 4th from the bats of Ryan Pachowicz (singled home Fieldhouse, whom reached on an error) and Adam Fulk (2012), along with some fielding errors made by Chesterton.
Chesterton would then answer the call, scoring two runs in the bottom half of the 4th; thus tying the game at 3-3. Chesterton would get back-to-back-to-back hits from Brandon Jenks (2012), J.R. Frederick (2012), and Nathan Crownover (2013). With the score tied in the 5th, Chesterton would take the lead off a sacrifice fly from Senior Jake Post, scoring Andrew Ralph (2014) who singled to start the 5th.
Lake Central would really threaten in the top half of the 6th, setting up a second and third situation with no outs. However, due to a base running blunder, Lake Central was unable to capitalize and score a run. Chesterton's Post took the rubber in the top half of the 7th and never looked better. Post was 87mph-88mph strong in the 7th, going three up and three down for the complete game victory.
Final: Chesterton 4 Lake Central 3
Whitmer and Tully Dominate on Mound, No. 1 Elkhart Central Loses in Extras
Thu May 3, 2012
No. 16 Penn hosted No. 1 Elkhart Central Wednesday night in one the most anticipated pitching matchups of the year. Penn’s Chad Whitmer (2013) once again squared off against Elkhart Central’s Tanner Tully. In the previous matchup between these two teams, Elkhart Central won 9-5. Last night, however, was all about the pitching.
Whitmer is a 6-foot-3 right handed pitcher that is fairly athletic with a quick arm. It was easy to see why Whitmer is considered to be a top 10 right handed pitcher in the state. Tully singled in the first inning, but Whitmer would not allow another hit until the 6th.
Tully matched Whitmer pitch for pitch, yielding only four hits through seven innings. Tully had to work out of a couple more jams than Whitmer, but was equally impressive. His most impressive inning was striking out the side in the seventh to force extra innings.
In the 8th, Penn would threaten with runners in scoring position, but Tully would strike out Caleb Birkey and Alex Hostetler to end the would be threat. In the 9th, Whitmer threw what was the most impressive inning PBR has seen this year. Whitmer climbed the gun, not throwing a fastball under 87 mph and touching 89 on multiple occasions. His velocity was not the only impressive thing, as he consistently painted the corners and threw a good breaking ball at 70-73 mph. Whitmer finished the day throwing nine innings of shutout baseball, and locked himself in as one of the top right handed junior arms in the state.
In the 9th Tully had to work himself out of another bases loaded jam, but did so with ease, forcing two weak ground outs. Tully proved, yet again, why he is the top unsigned left handed pitcher in the state, by working at 85-88 mph most of the game, and touching 90 once. He also showed a good breaking ball and the ability to compete.
The 10th inning for Penn saw them once again load the bases with nobody out. Reliever Cory Malcom (2013) was able to get two ground outs before hitting Cameron Glaze, on a 2-2 count with two outs, forcing in the game winning run. Tyler Thompson picked up the win for Penn, working a scoreless 10th inning.
Top 10 Post Season Games
10. LCC makes it Four Straight Class A State Titles
Sat June 16, 2012
Lafayette Central Catholic won its fourth straight Class A state championship, defeating the Shakamak Lakers 12-2 this afternoon at Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis. Junior Patrick Green got the start on the mound for Shakamak, while senior Austin Munn got the start for LCC.
The Knights of LCC scored the game’s first run in the top half of the first inning on sophomore Evan Kennedy’s RBI sac fly. Shakamak would actually take a one run lead in the bottom of the second inning off sophomore Christian Burris’ two RBI double.
The lead would not last long for the Lakers. LCC’s Jake Churchill (2013) tied the game at two a piece off an RBI sac fly in the top of the third. Munn got out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom half, striking out the first out and then ending the inning on a double play, keeping the game tied at two.
The game remained tied going into the fifth, and that’s when LCC’s offense exploded for nine runs.
The Lafayette Central Catholic Knights broke the Class A record for hits with 17. Churchill and senior catcher Wiley Lodde both had 3 RBI for the Knights. Munn pitched five complete innings, allowing just two runs.
Shakamak’s starting RHP Patrick Green is a player to keep an eye on this summer. He was consistently 83-84 with his fastball, touching 86 on a few occasions. Look for Shakamak (27-7) to make another strong run next season as they are losing just two seniors from their State Runner-up roster.
Final: Shakamak 2, Lafayette Central Catholic 12
9. Late Inning Drama gives Bloomington North Sectional Title
Tue May 29, 2012
Sectional Championship
Bloomington, IN – Columbus North and Bloomington North met for the sectional championship. Columbus North sent Western Michigan commit Daniel Ayers to the mound and Bloomington North sent Junior Adam Cornwell.
After two innings of scoreless baseball Columbus North got on the board in the bottom of the third. With the bases loaded and two outs Braden Pelley (Thomas Moore) drew a walk to bring in the first run of the game. Senior CJ Dennis then stepped up and drove a line drive down the left field line for a double bringing home two more runs, putting CN up 3-0. That would end the day for Cornwell, who sat 82-83 with his fastball. Sophomore Dylan Stutsman came in and worked out of the jam getting a ground ball to end the inning.
BN was able to get two runs back in the top of the 4th though. After a walk and a double, Bryce Aldridge stepped up to the plate with two outs. Aldridge drove a fastball to the centerfield fence for a two out two run double, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
The big play of the game came in the sixth inning. After Baron Ryan (2013) reached on an error Brice Stratton (Franklin) attempted a sac bunt. He missed the ball and the ball got passed the catcher, Will Bowman (2012). Bowman thought the umpire had called foul ball and did not go pick up the baseball, Ryan took advantage and moved from first to third on the passed ball. Ayers would strike out Stratton for the first out. With a runner on third Colby Stratten (2013) stepped up and made the mistake hurt. Stratten laid down a perfect suicide squeeze scoring Ryan easily to tie the game.
After neither teams could push a run across the plate in the 7th. The two teams headed for extra baseball. In the top of the 8th Oliphant and Ryan singled to begin the inning. Hunter McIntosh entered the game, after throwing a no hitter earlier in the day. McIntosh struck out the first batter and got a pop out from the next batter to get two outs. Aldridge would draw a walk next to load the bases. With the bases loaded a wild pitch from McIntosh brought home a run and put BN up 4-3. McIntosh would get a strikeout to end the frame though.
8. Jake Weber's One Hitter Leads Homestead past #2 Huntington North
Sat May 26, 2012
Huntington---Rarely does a game live up to the pre game hype. Today at Huntington College No. 2 Huntington North and #12 Homestead did exactly that. Huntington North sent out their number one pitcher and Heartland Community College commit Trevor Storie. Homestead countered with Parkland commit Jake Weber. The two pitcher's future colleges met in in their regional last weekend with Heartland beating Parkland 3-0 to advance to the NJCAA Division 2 college world series. So this potentially could be one of many future matchups.
Huntington North won the first matchup between the two teams 11-9 in a wild high offensive affair. Today would be different. Jake Weber was dominant. He used 71 pitches to throw a complete game shutout. Weber carried a no hitter into the 7th, when Kendall Whitman (IPFW) sent an 86 mile an hour fastball into left center for a single with one out. The next hitter would reach on an error and with runners on first and second Weber got Ethan Bartrom to hit a hard ground ball up the middle for a game ending double play and sent Homestead into the Sectional Championship where Fort Wayne Southside and Coursen Carr awaits.
Trevor Storie was almost as impressive in his outing. If two balls are hit 5 feet one way or another and we might still be playing. Storie yielded 8 hits. 3 of the 8 never left the infield, two of the hits were 12 hoppers in between the third baseman and shortstop. It just was not Huntington North's day. The fifth inning, Homestead was able to get to Storie however for two runs. Senior first baseman Michael Redden led off with a line drive single advanced to second on a sac bunt. Josh Caccamo laid down a perfect bunt for a hit down the third base line to move Redden to third and setting up lead off hitter Austin Plasterer. Plasterer who is arguably one of the top leadoff hitters in the state, hit a ground ball to the left side that would not leave the infield but shortstop Drew Schnitz had no play. Giving Homestead a 1-0 lead. Brandon Soat would take the next pitch right back up the middle hitting Storie in the leg and again Huntington North would have no play. Two runs was all Homestead and Weber needed today.
In Sectional play, it often comes down to execution. Homestead today was nearly perfect. I counted one execution mistake and one fielding error. In a game where the defense of Homestead had to make 14 plays, one error is pretty good. Offensively, with the exception of one play Homestead got every bunt down and moved runners over when the opportunity presented itself. In a one and done setup, it takes one pitcher to be really good for 7 innings to end your season. Today Jake Weber was that pitcher and gave his team an opportunity to play for a sectional title.
7. Jacob Barnes' Blast Gives New Pal Sectional Crown
Tue May 29, 2012
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Whiteland, IN--- Sectional 13 hosted three PBR Top 25 teams, and after four games #17 Greenwood squared off against #14 New Palestine in the Monday night championship. The Woodmen advanced by defeating city rival #21 Center Grove in the opening round and Franklin Central earlier in the afternoon. New Pal came through on a first round bye and an impressive 1-0 victory over Franklin. |
6. South Side defeats No. 12 Homestead for Their First Sectional Title
Sun May 27, 2012
“It’s Unbelievable.” I can not believe that just happened.” Coursen Carr said right after the game. Then as I am walking to my car an 80 year old man stopped me and asked “Did the Vikes or the Evil Empire (Homestead) win the title?” I responded with South Side. He slumped in his seat and said “I have heard it all, South Side wow.” That summed up how special of a victory it was for the Archers of Fort Wayne South Side. According to the IHSAA, that is the Archers first sectional baseball title. This group of Archers also set a school record with wins. South Side currently boasts a record of 19-7 and has won 13 of its last 14 games.
The Archers knocked off Homestead in what was a team effort with a star in the middle. Carr was the star he controlled the game on the mound and worked out of a 2nd and third inning jam. I predicted Carr needed 12 ks for his team to win; he had 11. Which meant his defense had to make 10 plays behind him. Every player on the field made atleast one play in the game.
Homestead struck first with a run in the first inning. South Side did not flinch though and responded in the third with 3 of their own. Carr had a 2 RBI single and Justin Kiesling executed a safety squeeze and Homestead’s catcher could not hold onto the ball. Which put South Side up for good. After, the three spot momentum was clearly in South Side’s dugout along with confidence. It was a different team after that point. It was a team with a belief that they would pull off the upset. Carr was that much better from that point on. His fastball was consistently on a corner and 87-90 touching 91 on several occasions. Carr’s breaking ball went from 70-73 and more of 3 to 9 curve ball in the first 2 innings to a 74-76 hard slider with downward action. Carr became unhittable. Homestead’s bid for a state title was cut short the same way they cut Huntington North’s run; a pitcher had a special day. That is what is great about sectional baseball, you really do not know who will rise up in the biggest games. Today it was Jake Weber in game one and Will Coursen Carr in game two.
5. Lake Central Continues Impressive Run
Mon June 11, 2012
Kokomo, IN---Many people said this should be the state championship game. Of course they were talking about Saturday’s 4A Semi State matchup between No. 1 Lake Central and No. 9 Zionsville. Lake Central entered the game having to beat two of the state’s top arms including; Penn’s Chad Whitmer and Elkhart Central’s Tanner Tully. In order to advance to the state championship they would again have to beat a top arm in Zionsville’s Parker Dunshee (PBR #11, 2013).
Lake Central’s Chase Fieldhouse (2012, uncommitted) brought home the first run of the game in the top of the first when he doubled off Dunshee bringing home junior Nick Kellams for the early 1-0 lead. Zionsville quickly answered with a run of their own in the bottom half of the first after Dunshee’s RBI single.
The scoring quickly came to a halt for both teams through the next three innings. Both starting pitchers found their rhythm and began piling up strikeouts. LC’s Jimmy McNamara (Central Michigan) sat at 82-85 with his fastball and had five strikeouts through four innings of work. Dunshee (uncommitted) was 85-87 with his fastball, touching 88 on several pitches, and also had five strikeouts through four innings.
With the score still tied heading into the bottom of the fifth, McNamara found himself in some trouble for really the first time during this year’s post season. After plunking Nick Barrientos to start the inning, he got two quick outs on a strike out and an infield pop out. Barrientos would steal second base to give Zionsville the go ahead run in scoring position. Drew Small (Butler) then singled in Barrientos to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead and advanced to second on error in the outfield. After another RBI single, McNamara was taken out of the game and replaced by LC’s second ace Taylor Lehnert (Central Michigan). Lehnert was able to get a quick pop out, keeping LC’s deficit at two runs.
Lehnert was very impressive, displaying a consistent 87-90 mph fastball and touching 91 on several occasions. In less than five innings of work Lehnert struck out 8 Zionsville batters.
Zionsville held on to the 3-1 lead going into the top of the seventh. Lake Central, however would tie the game off two Eagles’ errors. The go ahead run was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.
In the top of the eighth, Dunshee struck out the side. Zionsville was unable to produce any offense as Lehnert struck out the first two hitters and got the third out on a fly out to right field. Dunshee’s day was done after eight complete innings and a total of 11 strikeouts.
Senior Mic Richey came in to pitch in the top of the ninth for Zionsville. LC’s Kellams led off the inning with a base hit. Richey then struck out the next batter to give Zionsville their first out. With Fieldhouse coming up, Zionsville intentionally walked him for the third straight time. This strategy had worked all day for Zionsville however this time it backfired as Richey plunked Austen Wagoner to load the bases, with still only one out. With the pressure mounting, Richey again hit a batter, this time Ryan Pachowicz, which brought in the go ahead run.
With Zionsville down to their last at bats down 4-3, Trewartha led off the inning with a walk. Barrientos hit into a fielder’s choice to give LC their first out. With a runner at first, Richey came to the plate with hopes of extending the game. With two strikes, Barrientos took off from first trying to steal second. Richey swung through the pitch for strike three and Barrientos was thrown out at second for a strike out-throw out double play to end the game.
Lake Central has now beat three of the top pitchers in the state, and is one game away from making one of the most impressive runs in history to a state title. Lake Central will face Roncalli in the 4A State Championship at Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday at 7 pm eastern.
4. Warren Centrals Dant Knocks off No. 5 Cathedral
Mon May 28, 2012
Indianapolis, IN---No. 5 Cathedral came into this morning’s first semi-final game at Cathedral as the 7 time defending sectional champion in the IHSAA sectional 10 tournament. It appeared early as if the Irish were headed for their eighth straight appearance in the sectional championship game as they took an early 2-0 lead on Warren Central.
The Irish scored their first run of the game in the bottom of the first on senior Will Hunker’s RBI single, scoring fellow senior Nick McCarty (Notre Dame). Cathedral’s second run came off of Ryan Levenhagen’s (Army) RBI single, scoring Irish teammate Austin Boos (Illinois Institute of Technology). The Irish would hold the 2-0 lead through four innings behind solid pitching from freshman RHP Ashe Russell. Russell only allowed two Warren Central hits through his first four innings of work.
Despite the two run deficit, the Warriors were determined to get their offense going. In the top of the fifth freshman Jordan Bare led off the inning with a double to left center. Bare advanced to third on sophomore Jeff George’s bunt for hit, setting up runners at first and third. Senor Gabe Holstein bunted for a hit, scoring Bare from third, giving Warren Central runners on first and second. The Warriors’ leadoff hitter Thomas Rea (2012) earned a walk, setting up Charlie Dant’s (DePauw) at bat with bases loaded. Dant would then double to right, driving in three runs, giving the Warriors their first lead of the day at 4-3. Dant’s double would knock Russell out of the game for Cathedral, allowing senior Nick McCarty to come in and finish the inning off.
Cathedral would tie the game at four a piece in the bottom half the sixth off of Luke Cureton’s RBI triple. Dant was able to keep Cureton at third, keeping the game tied at 4-4 heading into the seventh.
In the top half of the seventh Warren Central’s Rea led off with a base hit, and eventually advanced to second on Dant’s sacrifice bunt. Senior Matt Dunnavant grounded out to second, giving the Irish two outs, and bringing up senior Kameron Utter to the plate. Utter then singled, bringing in the go ahead run for the Warriors. Warren Central took the one run lead into the bottom of the seventh.
The Irish led off the bottom of the seventh with McCarty. Dant got McCarty to ground out to himself for the first out. Mike Kseniak then grounded out to third for the second out. Senior Will Hunker was the Irish’s last hope for a comeback. Dant, however, continued his strong outing, striking Hunker out to end the game and Cathedral’s streak of sectional championships.
3. Jacob Barnes' Blast Sends New Pal to Semi-State
Mon June 4, 2012
Evansville, IN The regional championship between Jeffersonville and New Pal was one of the most exciting games of the season, with both teams looking like they were going to walk away with the crown.
Jeff got on the board early with a homerun to left from Drew Ellis (2014) and then three batters later Nick Gallagher came through with a two out RBI single to center field to give Jeff a 2-0 lead after the top of the first.
New Pal would not score in the first two innings, but finally broke through with a big third inning. New Pal’s first three batters reached to start the innings and they got on the board from an error by Jeffersonville’s third baseman. Starting pitcher Reid Clark then hit a sac fly to tie the game at two. With one out Cameron Clark (2014) singled to center to put New Pal ahead and a 1st and 3rd double steal brought in another run putting New Pal up 4-2 after three innings.
Jeff would respond though putting up four runs of their own in the top of the fourth. Isaac Crafton (2013) singled to right to bring in the first run of the inning and Ellis doubled on a ball that just stayed inside the third base line to bring around another run. An error on the shortstop allowed Crafton to score from second and Josh Burke (2014) had an infield single that brought in Ellis to give Jeff a lead of 6-4.
New Pal would then respond themselves bringing three runs in during the bottom of the fourth. They got their first run of the frame with Jeffersonville’s left fielder lost the ball in the light and picked it up at the last second, but couldn’t haul in the baseball. With two outs and runners on second and third Reid Clark came through with a big two run single to right center to give New Pal the lead back at 7-6.
New Pal would add two more runs in the sixth thanks to RBI singled from Brian Page (2012) and Reid Clark giving New Pal a 9-6 advantage.
Going into the 7th with Jeff trailing 9-6, you could tell they were not going to go down without a fight. Chanse Oliver (2012) led off the inning with a walk and Dallas Conway singled to right. Isaac Crafton came up and quickly doubled to left center to cut Jeffersonville deficit to two runs. Ellis would then hit a sac fly to center to bring in another run. After the next batter got out Jeff was down to their final wout with a runner on second. Josh Burke came up to the plate and lined a ball to right field bringing in the tying run.
With the game tied the teams looked destined to head into extra innings. Shull led off the bottom of the 7th inning by getting hit by a pitch, but back to back fielder’s choices gave New Pal two outs with a runner on second. That’s when Jacob Barnes stepped to the plate. Barnes last week hit a three run homerun against Greenwood to give New Pal a 4-3 lead in the fifth inning. This time Barnes did what everyone dreams of as a kid. Barnes took a pitch and hit it deep over the left field wall to give New Pal a walk off two run victory and a Regional Championship.
2. Lake Central Edges Elkhart Central 2-1
Sun June 3, 2012
With tensions brewing for nearly a week, the Lake Central vs. Elkart Central Regional rematch from last year did not disappoint. After both coaches had been warned in the 1st inning, regarding tone and attitude, Junior Cory Malcom would lead off the 2nd inning with a home run, giving Elkhart Central a 1-0 lead. That is all the support Junior Tanner Tully would need until the Bottom of the 4th.
Lake Central's Anthony Fushi (2012) would reach second with two outs, and an Adam Fulk (2012) single would even the score at 1-1 after 4 innings.
With McNamara and Tully dealing, this game would come down to one pitch. In the bottom of the 6th inning, and the game tied up at 1, senior Chase Fieldhouse turned on a pitch, delivering it into the trees in left field for a solo home run. Score after 6, 2-1 Lake Central.
McNamara would retire the first two in the 7th, followed by a walk and a strike out to end the fiery game.
Final: Lake Central 2 - Elkhart Central 1
To say that Tully and McNamara were mirrored in performance would be spot on. Both had 7k and allowed only one run, a home run. Just so happens that Lake Central's home run was the difference.
1. Lake Central Outduels Roncalli 1-0 For State Crown
Mon June 18, 2012
With the pitching match-up of McNamara vs. Hawk scheduled for Saturday's 4A State Title game, everyone in attendence knew runs would be at a premium. What we did not know, was that only one run would be sole outcome of the game. Lake Central's game against Roncalli lived up to the hype, as true baseball was on display.
Senior Pitcher Jimmy McNamara has had a storied career for Lake Central; he has been arguably the program's best left handed pitcher of all time. What people don't see often, is his switch. Once it is turned on, any team in the country would take him. Unfortunately for Roncalli, McNamara flipped the switch on Saturday evening.
While McNamara was toeing the rubber for Lake Central, Cincinnati commit Colin Hawk delivered a spectacular performance of his own. The only real trouble, and deciding run, in the game, came in the 3rd inning.
With two outs in the top half of the 3rd, Junior Ryan Burvan (2013) singled to start things off. As Senior Chase Fieldhouse walked, the stage was set for Senior Austen Wagoner with runners on 1st and 2nd and two outs. On the first pitch he saw from Hawk, Wagoner singled sharply up the middle. With Burvan rounding third, there was sure to be a bang-bang play at the play; however, with the throw up the line, the first basemen cut the throw, scoring Burvan. Little did we know that the only run of the game, had just scored.
Hawk threw a complete game, allowing four hits, while striking out four. Unfortunately for him, it happened to be Jimmy McNamara's game. McNamara had a perfect game until the 4th, until he walked Senior Jason Simpkins with one out. Soon after, Senior Joe Ardizzone would hit into a 4-6-3 to end the inning.
Roncalli's first hit would come in the bottom of the 5th, on a bunt single by Senior Jordan Reeser. Reeser would advance to 2nd on a throwing error on the play. Once this happened, Lake Central quickly got Senior Taylor Lehnert (Central Michigan) ready in the bullpen. As it turns out, they never needed him. With two outs in the 5th, a single by Sophomore Aaron Schnell would have scored a run; however, Ryan Pachowitz (2012) made a diving stop at 1st to save a run. A long fly ball to right field ended the threat and Lake Central still leading 1-0 after 5 innings.
Lake Central would not threaten to score again, as only two hits were registered after the Wagoner single (Pachowitz single and an Olund double). McNamara would strike out two in the bottom of the 6th, making it a 1-0 after 6 full innings. Coming into the bottom of the 7th, it seemed academic, Jimmy McNamara induced three ground ball outs, completing the dream season for Lake Central, and winning the 4A State Championship. Final 1-0 Lake Central.
The (Almost) Perfect Season - While living in northwest Indiana, I had the opportunity to cover several of Lake Central's game this season. With two of the top arms in the State, I knew they were going to be good, but I didn't know they would be this good. Given clutch performances from Juniors Nick Kellams and Ryan Burvan all year, on top of steady senior leadership by Chase Fieldhouse, Austen Wagoner and Zach Mantel, this team was special. Finishing 32-1, I happened to cover their only loss this season; however, it may have been the best thing for them. Lake Central truly had an almost perfect season. Congrats to Lake Central and Roncalli on a great final game to wild 4A High School Season