Outlaws fall in state semi-finals

The Outlaws baseball season came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end when they lost 2-1 to the Hornets in the 4A state semi-finals held at Henley on Tuesday, May 28.

The Outlaws took a 1-0 lead in the first inning and hopes were high. Nicky Blumm started the Outlaws off with a double that flew to the fence in right center field. Henley's pitcher tried to pick off Blumm, but the throw to second went into right field and Nicky sailed around to third base. Justin Harrer hit an RBI single to left field for the score.

Henley scored a run in the fourth on a fielding error to tie it up 1-1. In the fifth, with two outs, the Hornets' No. 2 hitter hit an RBI ground ball through the shortstop hole for a base hit and Henley went up 2-1.

Sisters had the bases loaded in the sixth with just one out but couldn't bring the runners home. Henley's Hilyard struck out the Outlaws' next two batters and the inning was over. The Hornets held onto the slim lead and earned the win.

The loss broke Sisters' 24-game winning streak, a school record for Sisters.

Eli Boettner went two-for-three with a double to lead the Outlaws.

Sisters tallied six hits in the game compared to Henley's four, but, critically, left eight runners on base.

Joey Morgan pitched five innings for Sisters and Jarden Weems came in to pitch the sixth.

Coach Steve Hodges commented on Morgan's pitching performance.

"Joey pitched with good velocity and hitters were behind on a lot of his fastballs," said Hodges.

Hodges also praised Ryan Pollard for his defensive performance.

"Ryan had two nice defensive plays today," stated Hodges. "He had a diving play on a sinking line drive in left center and also grabbed a line drive straight away in center field.

"We didn't have our typical offensive day but I can't complain about the season," added Hodges. "We broke the school record for wins in a season and the most consecutive wins with 24. We know we can compete with any team in the state.

"We've seen tremendous growth in our younger players. We didn't expect this kind of a season or to get to the semi-finals. There are a lot of positives and these accomplishments will set a high mark for future teams to reach."