Rouse’s Magical Season Falls Short

The Rouse Raiders’ (30-11) magical season came to an end as they fell to the Hallsville Bobcats (33-8) in the semifinals of the state UIL 5A baseball semifinals by a score of 4-2. 

Commenting on the season, Rouse head coach Chad Krempin told reporters, “they’ve set a standard and taken us to new heights. We’re going to get back here, and someday we’re going to win it.”

Rouse opened the scoring in the top of second inning.  Joe Sparschu’s triple to right field drove home Andrew Forsell and Colby Diaz.  Diaz reached base on a throwing error and Forsell on a walk. 

Rouse starting pitcher Andrew Kithill looked solid until the bottom of the 4th inning.  Kithill  loaded the bases by hitting Brayden Walker, allowing a single to Kurt Wyman, and hitting Matt Houston.  Walks to Tyler Lee and Noah Jumper scored Walker and Wyman.  Trenton Smith’s single brought home Lee and Houston, giving Hallsville a 4-2 lead.  Daniel Norris relieved Kithill to close the inning and complete the game. 

Kithill (L, 9-4) suffered the loss, allowing 4 runs on 2 hits in 3.1 innings.  Kithill walked 3 batter and struck out 5.  Two batters were hit-by-pitch.  Relief pitcher Norris who tossed 2.2 scoreless, hitless innings. 

“Andrew has done a great job all year, he just lost it quicker than we could get someone in,” Krempin told reporters. “He’s done an outstanding job all year and just lost the zone for a minute, and they got a key hit. That’s the ballgame.”

Hallsville starting pitcher Jeb Drewery (W, 13-3) look stellar on the mound.  Drewery pitched a complete game, allowing 2 runs (0 earned) on 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 7 batters.