By Alex Kirby
Hoosier Heartland Conference Manager

INDIANAPOLIS – On a day that seemed more suited to a February evening at Lambeau Field than an April morning in Indiana, Class 4A No. 5 Indianapolis Cathedral showed tremendous mental toughness in pulling out a victory against a tough competitor.

Battling both the environment and the opponent – 1A top-ranked Lafayette Central Catholic – the host Fighting Irish (6-1) exploded out of the gate, taking an early three-run lead and never looking back in an 11-1 whitewashing of defending state champions.

“We just didn’t compete – it’s as simple as that,” said Central Catholic coach Tim Bordenet.

The early lead came in the bottom of the first inning when Cathedral first baseman Kevin Bower smacked a three-run home run over the centerfield wall. This was especially amazing considering the changing direction and speed of the wind throughout the game.

“You can’t prepare for this kind of weather,” said Irish coach Rich Andriole. “But it’s been a miserable spring for everyone, so we’re sort of used to practicing and playing in this kind of weather.”

Central Catholic (4-1) responded to the three-run deficit with a run in the top of the second when shortstop Griffin Richeson knocked in Tyler Child with an RBI single. That, however, was all the offense the Knights were able to muster in Saturday’s cold and windy contest.

Cathedral, meanwhile, continued to showcase its offensive talent, scoring five runs in the fourth inning and two in the fifth to end the game on the 10-run “mercy” rule.

Winning pitcher Tyler Koors went the shortened distance, giving up one earned run while striking four batters out and walking one. For the Knights, Taylor Glaze gave up six earned runs in 3 1/3 innings, striking out three and walking two before being replaced by Chas Bobillo.

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