War Eagle comeback falls short in first round playoff loss
By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register
The Clayton Ridge Central baseball team closed out its season last week, amid a cancelled game, shutout loss and thrilling comeback that fell just short in the first round of the playoffs.
The week started with a June 28 match-up at MFL MarMac, but a dose of bad weather brought the game to an abrupt end.
The War Eagles played again on Thursday night versus non-conference opponent Jesup, who sits atop the North Iowa Cedar-East standings. It was a jump up in competition for the War Eagles, who were shut out 17-0 by the J-Hawks.
CR-C collected two hits and struck out four times, while the pitching staff gave up 10 hits and seven walks. Additional player and team stats were not available for the game.
The War Eagles’ Class 2A playoff match-up took place July 2 against Waukon. The team got out to an early 3-1 lead before the Indians rounded the bases for seven runs in the bottom of the third. The War Eagles returned the favor with a six-run rally in the top of the fourth, but Waukon added two more in the bottom of the fourth and an insurance run in the fifth. The War Eagles were unable to respond, taking an 11-9 season-ending loss.
The War Eagle offense put up 13 hits, while the pitching staff allowed seven hits and six walks, while striking out eight batters. Additional stats were not available.
Clayton-Ridge Central ended the season with an overall 5-20 record, while going 5-11 in the Upper Iowa Conference. That placed them fifth in the standings.