GREENWOOD, S.C. — A tough-luck bounce on a ground ball ended Catawba’s season Saturday night in a 6-5 defeat in 10 innings to Columbus State in the Division II regional at Dolny Stadium.
Blaine Miller’s seemingly routine grounder hit to Catawba shortstop Dylan Richardson took a wild hop over Richardson’s head and two runs ended up scoring as Columbus advanced to Sunday’s 1 p.m. game against Lander with a trip to the World Series on the line.
The Indians led 5-4 in the 10th after Keaton Hawks scored on a fielder’s choice from T.J. Wharton. Wharton hit a chopper back to the pitcher and Hawks beat the high throw home. Hawks finished with three hits. Catcher Jon Wallace had two hits. Freshman Shaefer Shepard took the loss.
Catawba, the road team, gained a 4-2 lead in the top of the eighth on a double from Paul Kronenfeld and a pair of passed balls. Columbus scored two in the bottom of the inning to tie it.
The Indians defeated Georgia College 5-0 in the afternoon game .
Catawba finished the season 35-20 and South Atlantic Conference champions.