The Fort Calhoun High School baseball team built a five-run lead and won their first-round NSAA Class C State Championships game against Lincoln Christian, 7-5.
The victory at Fricke Field in Papillion was the Pioneers’ first-ever in their first appearance at a NSAA state baseball competition. They next play 4 p.m. Monday at the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Tal Anderson Field against top-seeded Central City/Centura.
“Our hearts were beating a little faster today on the field, but it wasn’t a level of nervousness,” senior catcher Chase Premer said. “I would say it was more confidence. We were excited be here and we knew we should be here.”
While Charlie Boumstein and Alex Christensen notched an RBI apiece, junior Eli Tinkham led FCHS (18-6 overall) against the Crusaders at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs. His last run-scoring swing of the game plated two runners during the top of the seventh inning, giving coach Roy Prauner’s team a 7-2 advantage.
Tinkham’s squad needed those runs.
Lincoln Christian scored three times during the bottom half of the frame and loaded the bases again with just one out. Relief pitcher Kenny Wellwood, however, induced a flyout to Presley Olberding in right field and then the game-ending pop out to Sam Genoways at shortstop.
Notably, Genoways started the game on the mound and earned the win. The right-hander threw six innings, allowing just four hits and striking out one batter.
For the full story and additional photos, check out Tuesday’s edition of the Washington County Pilot-Tribune. An online update from Monday’s game will be available at enterprisepub.com/sports after it’s score goes final.
