May 18, 2022

Regional run halted in Halstead for Trojan baseball

Posted May 18, 2022 5:27 PM

By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor

Coverage of SES baseball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!
Coverage of SES baseball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!

The Southeast of Saline baseball season met an unfortunate end on Tuesday at the hands of Halstead as the eventual regional champs eliminated the Trojans 8-3 before finishing off Haven 11-2 to punch their ticket to state.

SES wraps up their 2022 campaign at a still impressive 17-5, including an 8-2 league record to earn a share of a fifth straight NCAA title.

“Halstead played outstanding baseball and we just couldn’t get anything going in this one,” SES head coach Mike Garretson said.

The Dragons spread their attack throughout the seven-inning affair, scoring two in the first, one in the second, two in the third, and three in the fourth.

Timely hitting was the name of the game for Halstead, who scored seven of their eight runs with two away in the frame.

Jase Mueller put together a fantastic effort on the mound, allowing just three runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts in a complete-game showing.

The Trojans started to rally in the seventh with two runs of their own, but the effort fell short as the Dragons took the semifinal 8-3.

“It’s certainly hard to lose and end the year but it was another fun and enjoyable season,” Garretson said. “Our five seniors gave it their all and we have a tremendous group of juniors that will be rock-solid next year.”

SES will say goodbye to Clayton Meier, Hart Nurnberg, Bryce Cooper, Jaython Mathis, and Evan Nickelson this offseason, a senior core that undoubtedly made their mark on Trojan baseball over the last four years.

Despite heavy losses, Southeast will still return a ton of talent next year, and will look to reload and run it back in 2023.