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Gaels can’t get past Ogden

OGDEN — Nothing about this season has been routine for the St. Edmond baseball squad.

On Tuesday night in their Class 1A district semifinal, there was another anomaly added to the mix.

The Gaels (5-4 overall) had to wait about 45 minutes before the start of their game against Ogden (9-6) after a lightning delay and a tornado watch in Boone County.

Once the contest started, St. Edmond couldn’t get its bats going as it was blanked by the Bulldogs, 4-0.

Tams have gone through a different standard with the late start to the year and less games due to the global pandemic. St. Edmond was also sidelined by COVID-19 for 14 days.

The rollercoaster ride came to an end on Tuesday.

“This was a goofy night, but our guys were ready to play,” said SEHS head coach Mike Szalat. “We’ve had a lot thrown at us, but nothing earth shattering.

“We haven’t had a lot of adversity that was difficult to handle.”

Ogden tallied two runs in the third and two in the fifth, which would be the only runs of the ballgame.

St. Edmond junior Cael Kolacia suffered the loss, going five innings and only giving up two hits. He struck out 10 and walked five.

“Cael has a pregame he goes through and he didn’t let the delay get to him,” Szalat said. “He has matured a lot this season, as has (junior) Peyton (Scott).

“Nothing bothers these guys when they go out there.”

Ogden used small ball in both innings, bunting and stealing bases to put the pressure on the Gaels.

“They are upperclassmen-loaded and experience won (last night),” Szalat said. “Veteran teams will take advantage of (free passes).

“They played great small ball, which is my style. I love being in these games, with the butterflies and the pressure situations.”

The Gaels had five hits, including doubles from Kolacia and freshman John Nemmers. Lone seniors Jed Tracy and Noah Carlson tallied hits, along with Scott.

“I’m going to miss those two seniors. They are unbelieavable leaders and have treated the young guys with respect,” Szalat said. “They have shown the younger kids how to lead, and hopefully, the juniors and sophomores will pick up on that.

“Noah and Jed did everything right. They were on the student council (in school) and were involved in a lot of different activities. They changed the culture of this program. I hate to see them go, but I’m also exctied about what we have coming back.”

OGDEN 4, ST. EDMOND 0

St. Edmond 000 000 0 — 0 5

Ogden 002 020 x — 4 2

2B–SE: John Nemmers, Cael Kolacia

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