Shawano’s Ryan Coffey slides into second as Navarino’s Jordan Fischer attempts to spin a double play Tuesday night
The Shawano Lobos will need some help if they hope to play in the championship game of the Bonduel Bronco invite this year. After defeating Pulaski 4-1 on Monday, the Shawano bats were quieted Tuesday in a 3-0 loss at the hands of Navarino to finish off pool play for the Lobos.
“Unfortunately, we were hitting the ball, just hitting right to them,” said Shawano assistant coach Brandon Schutt. “They were finding the gaps and that was the difference from last night to tonight. We just needed that one hit. We left a lot of runners on base and couldn’t capitalize on that.”
The Lobos stranded nine runners on the night.
Navarino pitcher Matt Krause outdueled Shawano’s Jack Lacy, scattering five hits-all of them singles-while striking out four in the complete-game shutout.
Despite a bit of a rocky start, Lacy was able to settle in and keep the game close, which not only gave Shawano a chance Wednesday night, but keeps realistic hope alive for a championship appearance.
“Jack did a phenomenal job of just being able to control his pitches,” Schutt said of Lacy’s performance. “With possibly another game, it helps pitching-wise, it helps the bullpen out. By keeping it down to three runs it was manageable to try to come back, but we just fell short.”
Navarino scored a pair in the second inning, the first run coming on a squeeze from Justin Richter that scored Krause. Matt Dingeldein then scored on a throwing error on an infield single by Ben Prodell. Dingeldein led the Navarino lineup with two hits and two runs scored.
Ryan Coffey and Jimmy Lacy each collected a hit and reached base twice to lead Shawano.
With the loss, it will take a Pulaski win against Navarino Wednesday night to determine if Shawano has a shot at playing another game in the tournament, but they’ll need to do so by scoring at least four runs.
If all three teams finish pool play with a 1-1 record, the tie-breaker will go to the team that has allowed the fewest runs in the two games.
As it stands after two, Shawano has given up a total of four runs. After one game, Pulaski has allowed four while Navarino is coming off of a shutout.
Navarino clinches a spot in the championship with an outright win over Pulaski, or can advance with a loss by holding the Reds to three runs or less. Pulaski will need a shutout victory and at least four runs to earn a chance at a championship game spot.
In the event two or more teams finish with four runs allowed, a home run hitting contest will be held with players of their choice, according to tournament rules.
The action continues at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday with Hofa Park and Cecil, followed by Pulaski and Navarino at 8:30 p.m.