In a game that meant very little to Philomath in the win-loss column while serving as an opportunity to recognize the team’s six seniors, the Warriors went down to an 11-0 run-rule defeat Monday at Terry Stephenson Field against Blanchet Catholic, a quality Class 3A opponent that’s undefeated and ranked No. 1.

But on a more positive note for the program, the 4A playoff bracket was finalized with Philomath (19-6-1) securing the No. 6 seed. That means the Warriors will play a home game next Tuesday against an opponent to be determined.

A collection of photos from Philomath High’s 11-0 baseball loss to Blanchet Catholic on Monday.

Marist Catholic (19-3) earned the top seed and Oregon West champion Newport (21-4) is in the No. 4 spot. If the Warriors can pull out a first-round win, a matchup in the quarterfinals could take them to third-seeded Scappoose.

Blanchet Catholic (24-0) appeared to be fired up for Monday’s game with an opportunity to beat a playoff-bound team in an upper division.

“Nothing against Blanchet because they’re really good but they’re a 3A team playing a 4A team and you get in those situations where the lower-classification team wants to prove themselves a little bit,” PHS coach Levi Webber said. “It’s just making sure we clean up what we need to clean up going into the playoffs because we’re going to face an arm probably similar to that guy as far as velocity and pitch type.”

The Cavaliers carried big sticks into the contest and pounded out a dozen hits — eight of those were doubles.

“Of all teams we’ve played one through nine, that was probably as good of a hitting club as we’ve faced all year,” Webber said.

Warriors senior shortstop Kayson Olsen flips the ball to junior second baseman Wylie Griffith for a force out. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News)

On the mound, Blanchet senior Drew Bartles limited the Warriors to just one hit — a single by senior Grant Niemann in the first inning that some could’ve marked in the scorebook as an error on the shortstop.

It was a rough outing for a team that finished runner-up in the Oregon West Conference.

“It’s just one of those games that’s kind of tough because you just went through the grind of the league where there’s a ton on the line for every game and you’re battling for a league title and you’ve got a week before the playoffs,” Webber said. “There’s not a ton to play for today but it’s good for the seniors to get out and get recognized before the game.”

Philomath recognized seniors Joe Barnes, Mitch Berklund, Colton Hruska, Niemann, Kayson Olsen and Brady Russell prior to the game and all six played throughout the contest — two of them not regular starters.

Philomath has lost two straight and will try to work its way back into the win column with a Friday matchup against South Umpqua in a final tune-up game.

PHS senior Brady Russell makes a catch at first base for an out. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News)

“Coach (Steve) Stebbins has been there a long time,” Webber said. “We played him a few times early when he got there, probably seven or eight years ago, and we just wanted another game. I mean, it was great to play today but we don’t play again until next Tuesday so at least it’s another game just to try to stay sharp.”

Games this week against the 3A opponents give Webber an opportunity to put players in certain situations as they head into the postseason.

“We used this game a little bit to kind of see some things — bringing Caleb (Babcock) in the middle of an inning to see how he reacts to that,” Webber said. “He’ll start again on Friday to get him back into that rhythm but we’ll probably bring Joe (Barnes) into the game in relief — maybe him and probably Wylie (Griffith) just because those are situations you’re going to have in the playoffs. It’s good to see how kids respond in those different circumstances and situations.”

South Umpqua is another quality 3A opponent that’s ranked No. 6, went undefeated in its league and has an overall record of 17-7.

Barnes got the start against Blanchet and although the Cavaliers had some success, Webber was mostly encouraged by his performance.

Warriors senior Grant Niemann had the team’s only hit against Blanchet Catholic. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News)

“I thought he bounced back after his outing last Thursday where he wasn’t very sharp,” Webber said. “I thought he threw strikes but against a team like that and as you get into the playoffs, just throwing strikes isn’t quite good enough; you’ve got to make sure you locate a little bit better.”

Barnes allowed nine hits — six of those doubles — six earned runs and no walks with four strikeouts.

“He was a little bit up (in the zone) and they made him pay,” Webber said. “He got into some good counts and got ahead of hitters but they did a good job of putting balls in play and had a bunch of two-strike knocks and doubles.”

Sophomore Jacob Hernandez and as mentioned, Babcock, also got in some time on the mound in relief.

Blanchet Catholic 11, Philomath 0 (5)
Monday at Terry Stephenson Field, Philomath HS

Team12345RHEBlanchet Catholic (24–0)2105311120Philomath (19–6)00000012

Bartels and Cuff; Barnes, Hernandez (4) and Babcock (5). W — Bartels. L — Barnes. 2B — Cuff (BC) 3, McNally (BC) 2, Bartels (BC), Wort (BC), Holland (BC).

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