Indians fall to Wildcats

Russellville's Clayton Meyer releases a pitch during the fifth inning of the Indians' varsity game at California Monday night. Meyer recorded 12 strikeouts in six innings. Russsellville lost 2-1 to California. The Indians won the JV game, 7-5.
Russellville's Clayton Meyer releases a pitch during the fifth inning of the Indians' varsity game at California Monday night. Meyer recorded 12 strikeouts in six innings. Russsellville lost 2-1 to California. The Indians won the JV game, 7-5.

The Russellville Indians participated in the Show-Me Conference Baseball Tournament Friday-Saturday at New Bloomfield, where they ultimately lost the third-place game 10-3 to Linn Saturday.

"We had some chances to keep ourselves in this game, but just couldn't get that key hit when we needed it or make the pitch or defensive play at the right time," Russellville Coach Lucas Branson said. "We were all obviously a little frustrated with our performance on Saturday, so it's going to be important for us to make some adjustments and be ready to compete better in the next several games."

Ryland Johnson and Nick Haslag led Russellville hits with a double and RBI each. Zach Voss and Chase Smith each had a double as well.

In the semifinal round Saturday, Russellville lost 12-2 to Fatima.

"We got off to a 1-0 lead but then had a couple of mental and physical errors that really cost us in the second inning," Branson said. "We couldn't dig our way out of the hole."

Clayton Meyer recorded the loss with three strikeouts.

Haslag led Russellville hits with a double and Caleb Harrison had a single and two RBI.  

Previously at the tourney, Russellville defeated New Bloomfield 4-1 in the opening round Friday.

"Our overall approach to this game was outstanding and we played very well," Branson said.  "We had contributions from everyone in the lineup and our bench throughout. It was an important game for us being at New Bloomfield and playing against a district opponent, so I was really pleased with our effort."

Haslag led Russellville hits with two and Clayton Thompson had one hit and two RBI.

Kaleb Libbert recorded the win for the Indians with one strikeout.

Fatima went on to defeat South Callaway 10-2 Saturday to clench the title.

The Indians traveled to California Monday night, where they lost a close contest to the Pintos, 2-1. Russellville won the JV game 7-5.

The Indians will play at Jamestown at 6 p.m. Thursday.