A fifth inning error put a stop to Columbiana baseball's state title run.
The Clippers lost to Newark Catholic, 1-0, Thursday in the division IV State semifinals in Columbus. Columbiana ended the season 22-11.
Head Coach Scott Knox said while the team did give up a run on an error, there were chances offensively to change the game. He said the Clippers went pitch for pitch with the Green Wave, but couldn't get the big hit.
"In a game like this it turns into a pitch and a defensive game," Knox said. "Whoever makes that miscue, and we had that one little miscue defensively, or else we'd still be playing right now."
Knox said the Clippers got off to a rocky start this season--they had an 8-8 record and struggled with defense--but great attitudes and hard work carried the team to State. The bar has been raised in the school's baseball program, Knox said, and feels that making it to State was a big step forward.
The Clippers were young this year and only three seniors, Jay Williamson, Tyler Denmeade and Jared Harold, will not be back next year. Knox said not only was he glad the seniors got this experience, but now the underclassmen know what they have to do next year.
"Experience, a taste of what it's like at State," Knox said. "This is the big show, this is the big stage."
During the semifinal, Hank Schleuter pitched a complete game and gave up three hits. He gave up one unearned run.
Andrew Burdick went 2-for-2 for the Clippers. Kyle Shaffer, Denmeade and Schleuter each had one hit.
