Late Inning Errors Prove Costly for Eagles Playoff Game

Montgomery, AL - The Eagles have dug themselves a small hole that they will need to get out of in order for their season to continue. The Eagles had a narrow 3-2 lead going into the bottom of the eighth inning on Ottowa (KS) - who is the number one team in the Montgomery Bracket.

It appeared that Reinhardt would be able to get past the Braves of Ottowa because Ethan Foley was on the mound and was pitching great like he has done all season. Foley had been just about perfect through the first seven innings recording 10 strikeouts and spreading 10 hits over those innings only giving up two runs. His problem came in the bottom of the eighth when the first batter for the Braves was hit by a pitch. He eventually scored when a few batters later doubled. This tied the game at 3-3. The next batter for Ottowa was walked and that would be the end of the night for Foley with runners on first and second base. Andrew Herbert would come in the game to try to clean up the mess, however, after his first pitch both runners stole their bases and the throw ended up in center field. Both runs were able to score on the throw and now the Eagles were down 5-3. After giving up a walk, Herbert was able to get the next batters out to end the inning, but the damage was already done. The Eagles were now having to play catch up to see if they could get their lead back in the top of the ninth.

Tucker Zdunich would get that chance when he hit a solo shot getting the Eagles back to within one run. There was a feeling that the Eagles might be able to tie this backup and at least force extra innings, but it was not to be. The next two batters for the Eagles would both strike out on good pitching by Ottowa and end the game with the Eagles wondering what could have been.  Now the Eagles will have to fight their way out of the losers bracket in order to keep playing. They will have to face Keiser University who lost earlier on Monday to the host team, Faulkner University. This is now a "do or die" game for Reinhardt as only the winner will get to keep playing. The game will be at 3 pm EST (2 pm CST) on Tuesday with the loser being sent home. The winner will get to stay with a chance to play on Wednesday against the loser of the Ottowa vs Faulkner game, which will be played at 7 pm EST on Tuesday evening. 

Zdunich would lead the Eagles at the plate going 2 for 3 scoring two runs and recording one RBI. Jarrett Burney would get the other run in the game and he would go 1 for 2 in the game with one RBI. Nick Sanders would get the other RBI in the game.

Both games at the Montgomery Bracket would be close one-run games that could go either way, but that is just baseball what looked like might be a Reinhardt vs Keiser game in the winners' bracket ended up being the reverse. The Eagles have their backs against the wall, but they have a chance to keep playing and they have proven to be a team that does not quit and can turn things around quickly. Expect a game with quality pitching in Tuesday's game which could be Pablo Barquero. Barquero has been solid for the Eagles this season and he can command a game giving the Eagles a chance to win every time he is on the mound. Eagles nation will be watching to see who the starter is for Tuesday's game and cheer on the Eagles as they battle to keep their season alive.

Below is the updated bracket with game information provided.

Montgomery Bracket
May 16-19 | Montgomery, Ala. | Harrison Field | Hosted by Faulkner (Ala.)

Tournament Central

1. Ottawa (Kan.)
2. Faulkner (Ala.)
3. Keiser (Fla.)
4. Reinhardt (Ga.)