Indians fall to Wildcats

The Russellville Indians defeated Father Tolton 3-2 in eight innings Saturday in the first round of the Class 2 District 8 Baseball Tournament at New Bloomfield to advance to semifinals Monday night, where the Indians suffered a 10-7 loss to top-seeded Linn to end the season.

Regarding the fourth-seeded Indians' win against fifth-seeded Father Tolton, Russellville Coach Lucas Branson said, "The kids really battled for the entire game. We had some big moments throughout where the play could've gone either way but our focus and determination to make the right play or the right pitch or make the adjustment at the plate really helped make the difference."

Clayton Meyer recorded the win with five strikeouts.

"Clayton pitched out of a runner at third and no outs situation in the top of the sixth inning," Branson said. "And again in the top of the eighth with bases loaded and one out."

Branson added, "Tanner Morrow hit an RBI with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inng to win the game. Seth Kuda, who was pinch running for Meyer, scored."

Ryland Johnson led Russellville hits with two and one RBI. Morrow had one hit and one RBI. Meyer, Kaleb Libbert and Caleb Harrison each contributed one hit.

In the other semifinal game Monday, second-seeded Tipton defeated third-seeded New Bloomfield 7-5.

Linn played Tipton for the district championship Tuesday, May 20, however, game results were not available at press time.