Calvary Lutheran loses 7-6 against Versailles

There haven't been a lot of dramatic games for the Calvary Lutheran Lions this baseball season.

Calvary opened the season with a 5-4 loss to Van-Far. Since then, the closest final margin in their 10-plus games was five runs on two occasions.

There was drama Tuesday as the Lions loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Versailles Tigers before dropping a 7-6 decision at Calvary Lutheran Field.

"We needed a close game, we needed to know that we can compete in a close game," Calvary coach Rusty Bourg said. "I can't remember the last really close game we've been in, I know it's been a while."

Jimmie Wehmeyer led off the bottom of the seventh with an infield single. Nick Stark followed with a walk and after a popout, Carson Killday sacrificed the runners to second and third.

Colin Bernskoetter was intentionally walked to load the bases before another popout ended it.

"To play a one-run game like that is awesome," Bourg said. "We weren't playing like we were nervous, we were just battling."

On the other side, Versailles was happy just to be outside again.

"It's been five days since we've seen live pitching," Versailles coach Jason Ollison said. "I can't remember a spring where the weather has been quite like this. It's been a struggle."

Both teams struggled offensively the first time through their lineups. But the second time through was a different story.

"It takes a little time to adjust after all you've been doing is hitting the cage," Ollison said.

The game was scoreless before Versailles put together four hits and two walks to score five runs in the third inning. The big hits in the inning were a two-run triple by David Connor and a two-run double by Wyatt Espinosa.

Calvary answered with three runs on two hits and two walks and an error in the bottom of the inning. The first four Lions reached base as Shay Crisp, Alex Flannigan and Drew Goodin each picked up RBI.

The Tigers added two runs in the top of the fourth on a single by Bryce Kephart.

"We made some adjustments and started hitting the ball hard," Ollison said.

The Lions came back with three in the bottom of the inning on a double by Flannigan and a single by Goodin to go along with a run scoring on a wild pitch.

"We've got freshmen and sophomores out there, you're going to get games like this sometimes," Ollison said.

The teams combined for just five more baserunners until Calvary tried to rally in the seventh.

"There's not quit in this team, we had a chance," Bourg said. "And that's all you can ask. We just didn't quite get it done, but I am really proud of them."

Brett Clemens pitched the first five innings to get the win for Versailles. He allowed six runs on seven hits and six walks while striking out six.

"He didn't have his best stuff, but he's a senior and when you're a senior, you need to battle through situations like that and that's what he did," Ollison said.

Riley Rademann pitched the final two innings to get the save.

"He shut the door," Ollison said. "Calvary battled, you have to give them credit for fighting to the end."

Versailles (4-10) will host California at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Flannigan took the loss for Calvary. He pitched 42/3 innings, allowing seven runs on nine hits and four walks while striking out five. Crisp worked the final 21/3, giving up two hits and recording one strikeout.

"Alex pitched a nice game and so did Shay," Bourg said.

Eight seniors - Killday, Bernskoetter, Ray Eickmeyer, Jordan Duenckel, Flannigan, Crisp, Goodin and Logan Kammeier - were honored before the game.

"I've had them for four years and we'll miss them," Bourg said.

The eight make up the majority of the 13 players on the roster this season. Which means there are open spots for next season.

"Lots of them," Bourg said.

Calvary (5-9) will play Thursday at Bunceton.