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By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Kickapoo Chiefs (27-8) ran into a buzzsaw at home Saturday at the Class 6 quarterfinals at Neil Pittman Field as they fell to visiting Blue Springs South, 4-3.
A key piece of that buzzsaw was 2022-23 senior starting hurler Trenton Roehler — who has committed to the University of Missouri.
The Chiefs struck first on the Cael McCarville single, who hit a new apex throughout postseason play. That run was the first time Blue Springs South yielded a run since May 12.
The Jags scored in the second on an Aiden Doll bloop shot to short left field.
Minutes later, after an intentional walk to load the ducks on the pond, a subsequent walk plated the second run for the Jags.
One inning later a solo blast off Kickapoo starting hurler Anderson Underwood gave the Jags the cushion they needed, 3-1.
Another run in the fifth didn’t sink the Chiefs, though.
In the sixth frame, the Chiefs came alive as Evan Vienhage led off with a triple and the Chiefs added two more.
Howser said the late rally sums up his 2022 club.
“That is how they have done things all year,” Howser said. “Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me. We knew we could come at him if we could keep it going. You have to tip your hat to the pitching staff.”
But uncharacteristic baserunning blunders and three defensive errors simply were too much to overcome.
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The Chiefs now say goodbye to the senior class: Trey Hagardt, Noah Wilkinson, Cole Murrell, Morgan Goss, Underwood, Clayton Dahl, Shane Cummings, Cross Kubik (pitched 1 2/3 innings of relief, striking out two and allowing two singles), Sam Snider, and Reed Jensen.
“Whether it was practice or games, this coaching staff was really pleased to show up because this group [of players] always showed up. They had fun,” Howser said. “They have always loved to compete come game time. Practice was a joy, too.”
The younger players have benefitted from watching the seniors go to work — no matter if it were November weights or preparations for the Class 6 quarterfinals.
Added Howser: “The future will tell that. They are a close-knit group. We spoke about that and have spoken about it year in and year out. The seniors, we really put the leadership on them. We had a good group of seniors this year. It kind of just builds. Just a great group of kids to be around.”
For the Jags: Roehler went 6 innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out 13.
For Kickapoo, Underwood went 3 innings, allowing three runs while striking out three.
