Berries fall to Knights on Humberto Sanchez Day

May 22—Class A, No. 3-ranked Lafayette Central Catholic recorded a 6-2 win over Logansport in baseball on Saturday afternoon on Humberto Sanchez Day at Jim Turner Field.

Logansport honored U.S. Marine Cpl. Sanchez, who tragically lost his life at the age of 22 on Aug. 26, 2021 while serving his country in Afghanistan.

A moment of silence was held prior to the game. Sanchez's mother, Coral Briseño, threw out the first pitch. The Berries also wore patriotic uniforms.

Logansport public address announcer Greg Dominick stated during the ceremony, "Our hero, Humberto Sanchez, gave up his life in defense of the defenseless that fateful day. Humberto lived up to the Marine's motto, the Latin phrase, Semper Fi, meaning always faithful. Today, we honor our hero, Bert, by calling this day Humberto Sanchez Day. May his story of sacrifice, faithfulness and putting others above oneself inspire everyone to be better, do better and live life to the fullest."

As for the game, the Berries (18-10) didn't play their best game as they'll look to sharpen up for this week's sectional which will also be held at Jim Turner Field.

The Berries allowed just one earned run but were done in by five errors by the defense and 12 free passes by the pitchers.

The Knights (19-6) are looking pretty strong in Class A this year after coming off two wins over Harrison in Logansport in as many nights. They outhit the Berries 7-6 for the game but they stranded 12 base runners to the Berries' six.

The Berries pitched their likely sectional starters for this upcoming week. Izak Mock allowed three runs (none earned) on three hits, four walks and a hit batter, striking out two in four innings. Brennan Goforth allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits, three walks and two hit batters, striking out five in three innings.

The Berries got on the board in the second with a two-out rally. Tristan Kitchel singled and Jon Maloy doubled to put two runners in scoring position. John Scott brought them in with a single to left to give the Berries a 2-1 lead.

But their defense let them down with the five errors, something they'll likely have to clean up if they want to have a chance at winning a sectional title this week.

Gavin Smith had a triple and single for the Berries. Grayson Long added a single.

Logansport coach Dan Frye spoke to WSAL's Joe Stetz and Steve Clary following the game.

"They're a well coached team. We knew they were going to play a little bit of small ball. We had a couple errors that cost us and we weren't sharp," Frye told the radio. "We weren't sharp on the pitcher's mound and we weren't really sharp defensively. Needless to say we weren't overly sharp at the plate either. We had a few good balls that they caught that we hit right at them. Gavin smashed one to third base. We had several balls that were hit to left center than on any other day they might be down and we may be running around the bases. But we're not going to think about it very long. We knew they were going to bunt. We've got to get outs on those, that's all there is to it. Then they get a hit and a couple runs score. That's their game and we knew that coming into it and we didn't make a couple plays there.

"We had great festivities today for Humberto Sanchez today. The kids were very respectful. Brian Strong with the jerseys from the athletic director, the Stars and Stripes, Maggie Fincher and the Gay brothers that sang for us before the game and Coral throwing out the first pitch. That's bigger than the game of baseball today obviously. We wanted to show our appreciation for the family and Humberto and I think our kids and our fans and our team and our school did it well. That was the main focus today. Obviously we wanted to win the ballgame. That plays second to today."

Logan hosts Twin Lakes for a makeup game Monday to conclude the regular season. The Berries face Lafayette Jeff at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Class 4A Logansport Sectional.

"We're looking forward to getting back on the field Monday and seeing if we can get this turned around right before sectional time," Frye said.

CASTON 8, OREGON-DAVIS 6

Caston won its regular-season finale Friday night.

Joey Spin allowed six runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks, striking out 12 in a complete-game effort. He had a single and two RBIs at the plate.

Talon Zeider had a single, two RBIs and three runs scored. Sam Smith had a single and two RBIs. Pete DuVall had a single and two runs scored. Edison Byrum added a hit.

Caston plays West Central at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Class A Caston Sectional.

SOFTBALL

SOUTH BEND ADAMS 9, CASTON 2

Class A No. 3 Caston (17-4) committed seven errors in a loss at Class 4A South Bend Adams (18-5).

Addison Zimpleman allowed nine runs (one earned) on six hits and four walks, striking out five.

Kinzie Mollenkopf had two hits and an RBI. Isabel Scales had a single and RBI. Makena Middleton added a single.

Caston plays Southwood at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Class A North Miami Sectional.

ZIONSVILLE 8, LOGAN 7

Logansport rallied from an 8-1 deficit with six runs in the bottom of the sixth before coming up just short in the regular-season finale at Fincher Field on Friday.

Katey Hall had a home run, double and single for the Berries. Ashlyn Berkshire had two hits and an RBI. Kinzie Byrd had a double and RBI. Kendra Sutton and Kellyn Cripe each had a single and RBI. Justyce Rohrabaugh and Addison Guire each added a single and run scored.

Kiley Byrd allowed seven runs on six hits in 2 1/3 innings. Kinzie Byrd allowed one run on three hits with four strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings. Rohrabaugh allowed two unearned runs on no hits in two innings.

Logan plays McCutcheon at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Class 4A McCutcheon Sectional.

KANKAKEE VALLEY 5, PIONEER 4, 8 INNINGS

The Class 2A No. 1 Panthers dropped their regular season finale Friday at Herk Hoffman Field.

Shaylee Goings went the distance on the mound, She allowed five runs (three earned) on 12 hits.

Belle Blickenstaff had a home run and two runs scored for the Panthers. Casey Webb also homered. Kylie Farris had three hits. Mackenzie Robinson had two hits. Kylie Attinger and Hailey Cripe each had a double and RBI. Goings added a single.

Pioneer plays Rensselaer at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Class 2A North Judson Sectional.

NORTH MIAMI 6, CASS 2

Cass (9-12) dropped its regular-season finale to visiting North Miami on Saturday.

Bayli Reed had a home run and single for the Kings. Madison Dormer had two hits and a run scored. Kaylie Williams had a double. Elly Logan and Emma Logan each added a hit.

Cass plays Manchester at 7 p.m. Monday at the Class 2A Wabash Sectional.