The Cambridge Christian Lancers wanted a chance to make it back to the state playoffs this season. They had to make it past regional quarterfinals against the Canterbury Crusaders.
The Lancers would squeeze in enough runs to get a 7-1 final score moving onto the 2A semi finals. For head coach Steven Piercefield, he wants this team to keep having the drive to get back to where they were.
“Since we got going this year, we focused on May 20 and what needed improvement to get there,” said Piercefield. We needed to learn from our mistakes and victories after each game while trying be as even keel as possible.”
And facing the teams in regional always presented its challenges for his team.
“When you face off against a great opponent, you come together and have to be able to finish the right way. Every play always counts.”
The starting pitchers for the game were Emmanuel Rosario for Canterbury and Ryan Block for Cambridge Christian.
Cambridge Christian would get things going after a single to third base by first baseman Tyler House Errors at both first and third base would bring him in for a run. The score would be 1-0 in the top of the first inning.
But the Crusaders would answer back. After a triple by short stop Steven Winsette to left field, Rosario would deliver an RBI to right field. The score would now stay tied for five innings.
The Lancers would soon shake things up. After getting walked by Rosario, House would bring in his second run of the game after a single to right field by left fielder John Holk. After getting a double to center field, center fielder Elias Rivera would bring in a run after a wild pitch to home making the score 3-1 in the top of the sixth inning.
The Lancers would bring in four more runs in the seventh inning by Austin Carter, short stop Henry Mesa, catcher Devin Lopez and House for his third and final run of the game.
Winsette would close for Canterbury and Mesa would pitch for Cambridge Christian.
“To keep getting farther in the next rounds, we have to try and stick to our approach. If you put guys in position for success on the field, things will happen.
The Canterbury Crusaders finish their season 12-12 while holding the number one spot in 2A District 8. The Cambridge Christian Lancers (15-7) will move on to play the Bayshore Christian Faith Warriors on Tuesday May 6.