Cardington defeated rival Mount Gilead 4-2 in eight innings Wednesday, securing their second extra-inning victory over the Indians this week in Morrow County.
The win followed Cardington’s 4-3 triumph over Mount Gilead in nine innings earlier this week. Both games required extended play to determine a winner in the KMAC matchups.
Cardington coach Ryan Goetzman commented on his team's ability to respond in close contests. "Our kids are resilient," Goetzman said after the Wednesday game. "They found a way to win two games and I’m proud of them for that."
Wednesday's game remained scoreless until Cardington scored twice in the fifth inning. The Pirates added two more runs in the eighth inning after Mount Gilead tied the game in the seventh.
Mount Gilead pitcher Gage Baker kept his team in the game, battling through eight innings. Cardington freshman Josh Goers also pitched a complete game for the Pirates, covering all eight innings.
Mount Gilead coach Mark Kennon noted his team was unable to produce a needed hit in late-game situations in both matchups. "Today, we had a runner on third with two outs to wind the game and didn’t get it," Kennon said.
In softball action between the two schools, Cardington-Lincoln defeated Mount Gilead 18-0 in five innings Monday. Pictures from that day's games are available.
Mount Gilead's softball team recently tied East Knox 5-5 in a ten-inning contest Friday, ending a six-game losing streak. Anavey Jodrey pitched the entire game for the Indians.
Cardington’s baseball win on Wednesday improved their record to 13-3, tying for the KMAC lead at 9-2. The team includes experienced players, with some starting for multiple years.
Kennon feels his Mount Gilead team is close to breaking through despite the recent losses. "I think the kids are playing full of confidence," Kennon said. "We told the kids, ‘They found a way to win; now we need to find a way to win.’"