Carson baseball recap: Senators end bright season with 3-1 loss to Damonte Ranch
Submitted by editor on Thu, 05/11/2017 - 7:46am
In a win or go home situation, the Carson High Senators returned home Wednesday to to Ron McNutt field in Carson City to face the Damonte Ranch Mustangs. It was a must-win game to stay alive in the NIAA 4A Northern Baseball playoffs.
The Mustangs looked in prime playoff form early in the first inning. As an RBI single from starting pitcher Tyler Hopper put Damonte Ranch up 1-0. On the defensive side of the field, Hooper took care of business with a double play and routine pop fly to end the first inning.
Carson’s starting pitcher Jared Barnard kept the intense matchup close with shutout innings in the second and third. After a cold streak at the plate, the Senators broke loose after an Abel Carter RBI single that knotted the game 1-1. Hopper pulled himself out of the rough inning with a strikeout to end the third inning.
Another quick inning by both Barnard and Hopper kept the game tied 1-1 with three innings left to play. Action resumed in the top of the fifth inning. A sacrifice RBI from Tommie Oskam with runners on first and third put the Mustangs back with the lead 2-1 to conclude the fifth inning.
Derek Schafer came in relief for Barnard in the sixth inning, going through the Damonte batting order in stride. Keeping the game up for grabs at 2-1 with just two innings remaining for Carson to start a rally.
Hopper kept the Senators’ bats quiet, and continued his groove on the mound. Keeping the 2-1 lead in the Mustangs’ grasp, leaving a potential final inning in the Senators’ season. A wild pitch by Cole McDannald gave Damonte Ranch a comfortable 2 run lead in the top of the seventh inning. As Carson’s season ended in a 3-1 loss to the Mustangs.
For Damonte Ranch, Tyler Hopper pitched a complete 7 innings in the victory. Giving up just 1 earned run on 7 hits and 3 walks, along with 3 strikeouts. He also added an RBI single at the plate. Tommie Oskam went 2 for 3 with 2 singles, Jacob Bercovich and Nate Guidara had 1 single apiece. Esteban Lopez also added 1 RBI.
For Carson, Jared Barnard pitched a full 5 innings. Giving up just 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 5. Bryce Moyle went 2 for 3 with 2 singles, Abel Carter went 1 for 3 with a single and RBI. Jared Barnard, Jace Keema, Kyle Glannzman, and Luke Myers each had 1 hit apiece.
After the season ending loss, head coach Brian Manoukian spoke about the positive outlook on the season.
“This group of seniors has laid the foundation of this program to endure their leadership throughout the season. There is no amount of wins we can weigh against that,” Manoukian said. “I am really disappointed and sad for these seniors. I wish it would have been a different journey for them. But I can’t thank them enough for everything that they’ve done for me and this program and Carson City baseball.”
Starting pitcher and second baseman Jared Barnard described the bright future of Carson baseball next season.
“As a team, I am excited to see what we can come up with next year. Having everyone on the team fill the spots as well is a big plus for us,” Barnard said. “I hope we will have a better season next year. And for myself, I hope to improve as much as I can and be the best senior I can be.”
Closer, and senior, Cole McDannald reflected on the great memories he had as a Carson Senator.
“Just playing with these guys since we were close to five years old. It’s been a fun ride and a great place to play. I have enjoyed it all,” he said.
Although the early exit out of the playoffs was not up to Carson’s expectations, many seniors have paved the road towards a bright future in Senator baseball. Through many positives and negatives through the season, they stuck together as a team and accomplished many goals throughout the season, building an unbreakable relationship between both the coaches and players. With many up and coming juniors ready to take on a bigger role, look for the Carson Senators to make an impact next season.
