The defending state champion Shakamak Lakers are one game away from defending their Class A baseball title after knocking off Rising Sun and Greenwood Christian Academy, by a score of 6-0 in each win, to win the Morristown Regional on Saturday.
The Lakers limited Rising Sun to just two hits in the opening game win.
Rising Sun senior Austin Armstrong (leader in most categories including walks and steals) walked and stole second – but was stranded in the first inning.
Brent Turner was hit by a pitch in the second and went to third on a single by Mitchell Morris. Courtesy runner Tristan Brown came in for Morris and attempted to steal second or get in a rundown – hoping Turner could score from third. However, the play ended with Turner being called out trying to get back to third base (much to the disagreement of Coach Kevin Wirsch).
Back-to-back singles in the bottom on the second set up a sacrifice bunt attempt. Morris came off the mound to field the bunt but his throw went wide at third base to score the first run.
A second run scored on passed ball then a two out single by leadoff Dylan Collins made it 4-0.
That was all Shakamak starter Braden Scott needed.
Derrick Eldridge singled and went to third on an error in the fourth but could not score. Scott then retired the final 10 batters, striking out the side in the seventh, to finish with 10.
The Lakers added two runs in the fourth with a hit batter, walk and pair of bad hop shots through the infield.
Morris suffered the loss, allowing five hits and striking out five.
The Shiners had three errors but had one double play.
The loss ended the Shiners season at 17-6.