Late run denies W-G spot in state tournament

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W-G's Cole Theisen awaits a throw to record an out this season. When not a nearly error-free first baseman, Theisen sparkled on the mound for the Hawks.

NORWALK — A season that witnessed several records broken ending with breaking hearts Tuesday for Class 2A No. 5 Woodward-Granger, as Centerville scored a run in the top of the seventh to steal a 2-1 win in their Substate 6 Final.

Brett Kauzlarich entered the game 5-1 and with an ERA hovering near 4.0 but managed to keep a potent Hawk offense in check, allowing one run on just three hits while walking none and striking out six in seven stout innings.

His effort outdid an equally strong performance from W-G starter Cole Theisen, who yielded two runs (one earned) on six hits in six innings while striking out two. Matt Rhodes recorded the final three outs, allowing one hit.

W-G senior Marcus McConahay stole his school-record 89th base in the loss. The theft was his 39th this season, breaking the single-season mark set in 1990 by Brent Achenbach, current W-G boys basketball and track coach.

Bryce Achenbach puts the ball in play Saturday, The freshman had one of three hits for the Hawks Tuesday.

Brady Aunspach, Joe Rhodes and Bryce Achenbach each hit singles for the Hawks, who finish their stellar season 29-6 overall. Aunspach scored in the bottom of the first to give W-G a quick 1-0 lead.

The Reds (23-10) tied the game with a run in the top of the fourth before plating the fateful tally in their final at-bat.

Daniel Hargrave had a single and a double, Tyson Belloma two base hits and Brady Kauzlarich a double to spark the Centerville offense. Brady Kauzlarich and Kaleb Cochran each scored for the Reds.

Matt Rhodes had a RBI for W-G and finishes the regular season tied for first in Class 2A with 49 RBIs.

The loss was the final prep game for Aunspach, McConahay, Matt Rhodes and Spencer Hanson. W-G started the season 25-0 and was playing in the state play-in game for the first time since 2010.

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