War Eagles beat Taylor but fall to Baker in district
By KEITH ANDERSON
Baseball Coach
The Wakulla High Varsity War Eagles baseball team entered the district tournament week with a 19-4-1 record and the No. 1 seed in the tourney.
On Tuesday, April 30 the War Eagles hosted Taylor County in the semi final matchup. Taylor County threw a tough lefty that limited Wakulla to two hits, but the War Eagles manufactured 4 runs to complete the shutout 4-0 and moved to the district championship against Baker County on Thursday, May 2.
Gavin Estep was dominant in his performance against Taylor throwing 6 and a third innings only giving up 1 hit and striking out 6. Lefty Will Chipman came in for the final two outs of the game after Estep had exhausted his pitch count in the 7th sitting down the last two hitters with a fly out and a ground out to end the game. Gavin Gautreau was 1-2 with an RBI single. Owen Klees was 1-2 and scored two runs. Haden Klees and Jed Hoffman also got on base and each scored a run.
On Thursday May 2, the War Eagles hosted the Baker County Wildcats for the 4A District 2 Championship. The War Eagles fought to the end, but could not catch Baker County losing 9-5. The War Eagles out hit Baker County pounding out 10 hits, but it was not enough in the comeback effort. The War Eagles tied the game in the 2nd inning, but could not ever gain the lead. The big damage cam in the top of the 6th with some defensive miscues that led to a 4 run inning for Baker. The War Eagles fought back loading the bases in the sixth scoring three runs and then having men on in the 7th, but could not push them across. Haden Klees led the offense with 2 hits and 2 RBI’s, Garrett Veltkamp had 2 RBI’s and a double. Sam Bruce and Gavin Gautreau also had two hits a piece. Parker Lawhon, Michael Hurley, and Brady Crum all added singles. Leaston Spears took the loss throwing 4 innings while competing hard. Jesse Nazworth and Will Chipman also threw in relief.
The War Eagles will be in first round of the playoffs with a record of 20-5-1 and will play on Wednesday, May 8th. Time, place, and opponent are yet to be determined.
