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Festus
Washington needed seven innings to put one run up against Festus in a 7-1 loss.
Festus scored two runs in the fourth, one in the sixth and four in the seventh.
"Festus won the other bracket and we knew it was going to be a tough game," said Gardner. "We had Brendan Elbert on the mound and felt good about our chances."
Everything went well in the top of the first. But Washington could not score in its half of the inning.
"Brett Backhaus led off our half of the first with an infield single," Gardner said. "Lance Conway hit a double down the first base line that actually hit the base. I felt like we were going to get on top first just like we had in the previous three games. Unfortunately Mic Fox struck out on a tough pitch and the Trent Leimkuehler lined out to third that the third baseman was able to turn into a double play. I think that play really ended up being a huge factor in the outcome of the game."
In the fifth, Washington changed pitchers with Austin Peirick going to the hill. The gamble didn't work as well as Gardner had hoped.
"We were disappointed in losing the championship game but Festus earned the victory," Gardner said. "Their pitcher shut us down. We were only able to get five hits and worked a few walks."
Glendale
On Friday, Washington faced Glendale's Junior Legion team (oddly one day after the Glendale Seniors of Springfield beat the Post 218 Seniors in the Mid America Classic).
Washington beat Glendale, 11-4.
"We started off the tournament with a solid win against Glendale," Gardner said. "Cody Coffman was on the mound and struggled through the first two innings but he settled down and pitched a great game. In six innings he struck out 12 allowing four runs with only three earned."
Offensively, Washington scored three times in the first and two in the second. Glendale kept pace with one in the first and three in the second. Washington continued the offense while Coffman shut down Glendale for the win.
"Cody really shut them down after the second inning and Brendan Elbert came in and closed out the game," said Gardner.
Offensively, Alex Piontek tripled while Trent Leimkuehler doubled. Also getting hits were Matt Strothkamp, Cody Gardner, Lance Conway, Mic Fox and Brett Backhaus.
Sedalia
The big story in the second round was the pitching of Piontek, who threw a no-hitter in a 10-0 win over Sedalia.
"Alex came out and pitched a no-hitter," said Gardner. "He was really on as he had a perfect game through the first three innings."
At the plate, Fox went 3-3 with a triple and three RBIs. Jack Haddox doubled and drove in two. Strothkamp, DJ Smith and Dylan Bielicke each had hits and RBIs.
Washington finished out the game in five innings.
El Dorado Springs
Gardner said he knew Washington would have its hands full with El Dorado Springs.
"After watching them play earlier in the day we felt that we needed to pitch one of our better pitchers against El Dorado," said Gardner.
Gardner sent his son, Cody, to the hill and he was able to help Washington pick up the 13-0 win.
"Even though he did not have his usual control he was still able to shut out a good team," Mike Gardner said.
Washington picked up two double plays behind Gardner in the field to help.
Washington scored two runs in the first, two in the fourth and nine in the sixth.
Fox had three hits and two RBIs. Leimkuehler, Bielicke and Coffman had two hits apiece while Coffman, Strothkamp and Haddox each had one hit. Leimkuehler, Coffman, Strothkamp and Smith each drove in runs.
"We really played with a purpose the first three games and were really confident going into the championship game on Sunday," Gardner said. "It was really hot and our kids did not let it affect their play at all."
