Loggers Survive First Round In Region Tournament

The Loggers were able to take a 3-2, extra inning walk-off win against the Trailblazers of Lewis & Clark CC to keep their spot in the winners bracket of the NJCAA Region 24 Tournament. Dalton Fletcher ended up being the hero in the bottom of the 11th inning, as he knocked in Talon File for the winning run on a line drive to left center. File led off the inning with a double down the left field line, then was advanced to 3rd on a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt by Chase Kuntzman. Rick Dour started the game for the Loggers. The sophomore had the Blazers off balance much of the game, allowing just 1 earned run over 9 innings. He struck out 7 and surrendered only 5 hits. Dour was relieved by Cade Sestak, who earned the win extras. Sestak got big outs in the 10th and 11th innings to give the Loggers a shot at the walk-off. Cole Greer was the rally starter in the bottom of the 9th for the Loggers. Down by 1, Greer doubled to lead off the inning and later scored on a base hit off the bat of Noah Powless. Dalton Fletcher, Noah Powless, and Talon File all had RBIs in the game.

After their win in the first round, the Loggers advance to the semifinal to play top-seeded Heartland CC. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday at The Corn Crib in Bloomington, where the Loggers will be the visiting team.