Waterloo edges Vina 4-3 in playoff game

By Staff
Scot Beard
WATERLOO – The Vina varsity baseball team got off to a good start in the players' first-ever playoff game, but could not hold on as Waterloo fought back for a 4-3 win in the opening game of the series.
The Red Devils scored three runs with two outs in the top of the first inning, but Waterloo tied the game in the bottom half of the inning.
"(Both teams) played as good a game as you could see," said Vina coach Greg Hamilton. "I hate we lost it."
Brent Townsend led off the game with a single and advanced to second on a single by Morgan McCarley. Both players moved up a base on steals before Adam Pharr and Channing Haitchcock flied out.
Matthew Hester drew a walk to load the bases and Cass White doubled down the left field line to drive home the three runners.
"Cass' double to score three in the first was big," Hamilton said.
The Red Devils' lead was short lived however as the Cougars' lead off batter doubled then the second batter singled to drive in a run.
Waterloo pitcher Chad Palmer followed with a two-run home run to tie the game. Vina retired the next three batters to end the inning without further damage.
The Red Devils had an opportunity to gain the lead in the third, but could not capitalize.
With two outs, Haithcock reached base on an infield single. Hester followed by hitting the ball to the shortstop, who threw to second for the force. The second baseman, however, failed to cover the play and the ball went into the outfield allowing Haithcock to advance to third. Waterloo was able to retire White and end the threat.
The Cougars took the lead for good in the bottom of the third when Palmer hit his second homer of the game.
Vina had several opportunities to tie the game, but was unable to do so.
In the fourth, Patrick White reached third base and Townsend reached second, but McCarley grounded out to end the inning.
With one out in the fifth, Haithcock drew a walk and advanced to second on a passed ball, but Hester struck out and Cass White grounded out before Haithcock could move closer to home.
Down to their last inning, the Red Devils had the top of their order due to bat in the seventh.
Townsend struck out, but McCarley singled to left field and stole second. He moved to third on a sacrifice by Pharr.
Haithcock battled at the plate, but Palmer recorded the strikeout to end the game.
Townsend and McCarley led the Red Devil offense with a pair of singles each while Cass White hit a double and Haithcock singled.
Townsend took the loss on the mound for Vina, allowing seven hits.
He struck out five and only walked one batter.
Palmer was the leading hitter for Waterloo with two home runs and a double. He also earned the win on the mound by allowing six hits, striking out seven and walking four.
"The kids played with a lot of intensity and a lot of heart," Hamilton said. "They made great plays, that is why they beat us."
Results for the second game were not available at press time. If Waterloo won, the Cougars advanced to the second round of the playoffs. If Vina won the teams play at 1 p.m. today at Waterloo.