The Franklinton Demons baseball team dropped their second round state playoff series to the Lakeshore Titans last Friday and Saturday as they fell in the first two games, 7-3 and 7-0.
The Demons end the 2022 season with a nice 19-10 record and of course are the 2022 District 9-4A Champions. While the Demons will lose some important players who will be missed, a solid core remains to build upon for next season, including the entire pitching staff and bullpen.
Head FHS Coach Jeff Tageant commented, “I feel like it was a very successful season. Being back to back district champs was very special. Our pitching this year was spectacular and all are returning next year. Our hitting never came around in the Lakeshore games, which was our downfall. “
After falling 7-3 in the opening game of the series on Friday evening, the Demons were the home team on Saturday in game two against the Titans.
The first inning ended with a scoreless tie before the Titans put three on the board in the top of the second. A lead off walk, a hit batter and another walk loaded the bases with two outs but a timely single by the Titans plated two runs before another hit batter loaded the bases and a walk pushed across the third run. A promising inning was ended with a double play by the Titans in the bottom for the Demons.
The Titans added two more in the third on a walk, a triple and a bunt. Another promising inning for the Demons ended in a double play in the fifth.
The Titans finished their scoring in the seventh when three consecutive singles and an error scored two runs for a 7-0 lead.
The Demons put one runner on when Wascom singled off the pitcher's leg but after stealing second he was stranded there and the Demons had lost, 7-0.
Micah Wascom pitched four complete innings, allowing four hits, striking out four and allowing five walks. Dillon Pace pitched three innings allowing six hits and striking out two.
Offensively for the Demons Wascom had two singles and Ricky Burkhalter had one single.
Coach Tageant commended his team and especially his seniors. “I’m very proud of the senior class and their accomplishments. Our seniors are Cole Mayet, DJ Corkern, Trevor Vise, Nate Parden and Rickey Burkhalter. This group of young men worked very hard and were an integral part of our success.”
He added, “We are looking forward to getting stronger and improving our skills to have a successful 2023.”
