GNADENHUTTEN – Indian Valley’s baseball team saw its regular season end on a six-game losing streak and did everything they could to not see that number reach seven.
The No. 1 seeded Braves hosted No. 10 John Glenn on Wednesday, May 27 in a Division IV district semifinal and wasted no time to put runs on the board, scoring four runs in the game’s opening two innings.
Despite being outhit eight to six, Indian Valley took down John Glenn 7-4 to advance to the district championship game May 29.
“My team showed some fight today,” Indian Valley head coach Dusty Braun said. “We got into some jams early in the game that we got out of, and I was proud to see our guys fight through that.”
After opening a 5-0 lead after three innings, the Muskies threatened, loading the bases with one out in top of the fourth.
However, after a mound visit with pitching coach Derek Cummings, Deagan Beaber forced a ground ball leading to an inning ending double play.
“When that happens, it makes you feel really good as a coach,” Braun said. “It’s something that gives everyone a little energy, and we used that going into the next inning.”
When the Braves went up to bat, they saw five players reach base and two come around to score, extending their lead to 7-0.
“That’s a moment in the game where we had a chance to deliver that crucial hit,” Braun said. “Our guys stepped up and did just that.”
The Muskies threatened, scoring four unanswered runs, bringing the score to 7-4 entering the seventh inning.
Ryker Williams came in relief, tossing 1.2 innings, striking out one batter and allowing two hits to close the game out.
The message to Braun’s team coming into the postseason: Look in the mirror.
“When you go on a skid, friction can start and everyone starts looking at each other,” he said. “We just had to refocus on who we are and what we’re capable of doing.”
As a team, Indian Valley totaled 10 walks in the game to the team’s six hits.
“I think we are just seeing the ball really good right now,” Braun said. “When you’re struggling you have to find a way on base and build your confidence, and that’s what today was.”
Beaber tossed 5.1 innings for Indian Valley, striking out five batters, allowing six hits and issuing seven walks.
The Braves will now play for a chance to head to regionals as they matchup with No. 3 seed Richmond Edison in the district championship game Friday, May 29, at 1 p.m.
The game will be played in Minerva.
“We have to lock in, and make sure we are mentally right at the plate,” Braun said. “We’re moving on, and we can’t dwell on a couple of at bats or moments today.”
Jshondel@usatodayco.com; X: @JacoBShondeL
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Indian Valley baseball survives late rally, advancing to district finals
Reporting by Jacob Shondel, The Times-Reporter / The Times-Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
