Fresh off of winning their district title, the Hart Pirates baseball squad was looking ahead to the regional semifinals as the host June 4 against Evart.
But they came up short against Evart, who won 3-2 despite the Pirates giving them all they wanted in a great game.
The Pirates out hit Evart 6 to 4, and his lefthanded pitchers, Avery Guikema and Ty Schlukebir, according to Pirates Head Coach David Riley, combined for 14 strikeouts.
Guikema, who took the loss, went three innings, giving up three runs on two hits, with six strikeouts and two walks.
Schlukebir, who also pitched three innings, gave up two hits but no runs, struck out eight, and gave up three walks.
Guikema and Schlukebir also drove in the two runs for the Pirates.
Both of them scored one run on one hit each, with both of them also striking out once.
Also getting one hit each for the Pirates were Halen Boos, Brendan Hiddema, Hollis Rockwell IV, and Kevin Gray.
Riley, who is stepping down as the Pirates head coach now that the season has ended, talked about his team’s effort.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my players,” Riley said. “They put their best baseball forward in the last few games.”
Riley also said, “It was an amazing experience for our players to win the district and play within a hair of reaching a regional championship game.”
About stepping down as head coach, Riley said, “I feel extremely thankful for the players and coaches I have worked with over the last eight years.”
“My role as a teacher in the district remains a joy for me!” Riley said.
Riley also said, “I will continue to be involved in various athletic opportunities, specifically youth levels as my own children are beginning those years now.”