The Highland Fighting Scots took a one run lead early and out-hit Coldwater in the Division III Regional Semifinals on May 30, but the Cavaliers found a way to outscore their foe to take a 4-2 win to advance to the finals.
In the opening frame, Kort Sears singled and Zach Church followed with a walk. Hayden Kline bunted for a single and the bases were loaded for Jace Brooks. During the at bat, Sears scored on a wild pitch to make it a 1-0 game, but Brooks grounded out to end the threat.
Coldwater went on to score a pair of runs in the third inning and two more in the sixth inning. Highland showed fight in the seventh by putting a run on the board when Church scored on a Gavin Wiggand bases loaded walk. The Cavaliers were able to finish off the Fighting Scots and hold the lead, ending Highland’s hopes for a shot at the state title.
Highland belted 12 hits in the game, led by Evan Johnson’s 3-for-3 showing. Brooks had the only extra-base hit for the Fighting Scots, doubling and going 1-for-4. Kline was 2-for-3 with a walk. Church walked twice and scored a run. Sears was 1-for-4 with a run.
Sears allowed four earned runs over five and one-third innings, striking out seven and walking seven in the loss.
Earlier in the week, on May 28, the Fighting Scots also had a 7-5 win against the Hillsdale Falcons in what was essentially a warmup for the state tournament.
Highland trailed 5-1 heading into the fifth inning, but the Fighting Scots put four runs on the board to tie the game. They added a pair of runs the sixth inning to secure the win.
Johnson was 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI to lead the way. Church was 2-for-3 and Sears went 2-for-5. Jayden Collins had a double in the win.
Church got the win on the hill, allowing one hit and no runs over two innings, while striking out four batters.
The Fighting Scots finished out the season with a 27-4 record.
