LOOGOOTEE – Bedford North Lawrence completed the regular season with a complete-game performance by pitcher Chase Rynders as the Stars conquered Loogootee 11-2 during high school baseball action on Monday.
Rynders struck out 11 while scattering five hits, and BNL (13-9) exploded for seven runs during the third inning while cruising past the Lions (5-16). Cam Gates sparked the offense with a home run and double as the Stars pounded seven extra-base hits during their Memorial Day road trip.
“We got exactly what we needed from Chase,” BNL coach Steven McNabb said. “He did a great job of pounding the zone and letting his defense work.”
BNL scored a run in the first on back-to-back doubles by Gates and Jackson Jones (making his first appearance since sitting multiple games over a six-week span with a back injury). In the third, Grady Dalton cracked a two-run double, and BNL added five more runs with two outs. Grayson Gillespie stroked a two-run single, Jett Alvey added a RBI double, and Gates finished the frame with a two-run blast to center.
That was plenty of support for Rynders, who only allowed a two-run home run to Emmett Graber in the fourth.
BNL added three runs in the fourth as Evan Anderson cracked a two-run triple and Riley Sons followed with a RBI double.
”The big inning was huge to break it open,” McNabb said. “Big swings of the bat from Grady and Cam. Another big swing from Grayson to score a couple. It was great to have Jackson Jones back from injury as we get ready for Wednesday. Everybody starts over at 0-0. We are excited for the opportunity.”
The Stars will now focus on the Class 4A sectional, hosting Silver Creek in the first round on Wednesday. That winner will face either Floyd Central or New Albany (the opening-game matchup on Wednesday) in the semifinal on Saturday, while Jeffersonville will battle Seymour in the second semifinal.
The championship is set for June 1. The sectional winner will advance to a one-game regional on June 6.
