February 06, 2025

Creston baseball run-ruled in Atlantic

By TYLER HETU
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Tristan Barncastle turns to first base after getting an out at second, looking for a double play. (CNA photo)

GRISWOLD – Creston baseball fell to Atlantic Thursday night, losing 11-1 to the Trojans.

Creston's woes continued for its fourth straight loss of the season.

Baserunners to start the game for Creston had Atlantic sweating in the top of the first, but the Trojans escaped without any danger. The Trojans responded in their half of the first with three of their own, putting Creston behind early.

"We didn't take advantage of guys getting on," said Creston head coach Steve Birchard. "We had bases loaded in the first and we didn't get anything across. ... They ended up scoring three (in the bottom of the first). They hit the ball and sprinkled some walks in."

Trailing by three, the Panthers weren't able to get anything across until the top of the third when it scored one.

A Luke Latham walk led to an RBI fielders choice from Brayton Chesnut to score the run. Atlantic worked out of the inning leaving Creston runners on to end the threat.

Creston left six runners on-base with Atlantic stranding 10. The Panthers had two errors.

Creston had six hits, two coming from Chesnut. Cole Strider, Gavin Gillam, Tristan Barncastle and Latham had hits also.

Birchard said the Panthers were starting to hit the ball better against Kuemper Catholic Monday night, and that similar success carried into Thursday.

But, with peaks at the plate, came valleys in the field and on the mound for Creston.

"We hit the ball a little better," said Birchard. "We did square it up more, but our defense and our pitching struggled a little bit."

Gavin Shawler pitched 3 2/3 innings, walking two and striking out three. Briley Hayes pitched one inning in relief, walking one. Shawler was given the losing decision.

An error-fueled six-run fourth inning put Atlantic ahead 10-1, and one more run in the fifth closed the game in five innings at 11-1.

Creston's rollercoaster season was summarized by Birchard simply, who explained the team is working hard when possible to try and maintain an even flow.

"We're not playing very consistent baseball," said Birchard. "... We've been working hard on hitting to get it coming along. ... It's still coming."

UP NEXT – Creston is back in action Monday, taking a break for Independence Day (Saturday). The Panthers face Harlan with first pitch at 7:30 p.m. at Creston High School.

Atlantic 11, Creston 1 (5)

R  H  E

CR  001  00X — 1 6 2

AT  301  61X — 11 15 0

CR: Gavin Shawler 3 2/3IP 3K 2BB, Briley Hayes 1IP 1BB and Gavin Gillam. AT: Lane Nelson 5IP 1K 1BB and Brodie Johnson. W - Nelson. L - Shawler. HR — None. 3B — AT: Brady O'Brien 2B – AT: Zane Vance. RBI — CR: Brayton Chesnut (1). AT: Grant Sturm (3), O'Brien (2), Vance (2), Ethan Sturm (1), Steele McClaren (1), Collin Mullinex (1). Multiple hits — CR: Chesnut (2). AT: Mullinex (4), Grant Sturm (3), O'Brien (2), Ethan Sturm (2), McClaren (2).