The Redbirds have had a rough season. Through the injuries and the bad weather, West Frankfort in many respects has gotten a raw deal on the diamond. Practices and wins were few and far between this season.
"The weather played a huge role in our season," commented West Frankfort head baseball coach Scott Samples. "It's hard to have a normal practice with the weather being so unpredictable this year."
All that changed Monday afternoon. West Frankfort won it's first round Regional game. The 'Birds beat up on the Johnston City Indians 13-3. The 'Birds made quick work of the Indians and the ten rule was in effect.
Now West Frankfort will travel to Johnston City for the next round. The boys in red will be matched up with the top seeded Herrin Tigers.
"We have had a rough season," added Samples. "We have a special group of guys here. No matter what kind of season we had, these guys know when it's do or die."
Coach Samples is obviously right. West Frankfort had one of it's best hitting days on the year. Their defense also stepped up in a major way.
"Our guys will not quit. We have had some hard times this season," explained Samples."That doesn't matter to these guys. As far as we’re concerned, our record is 1-0."
Kyle Weeks took the hill for the Redbirds and did not disappoint. Weeks recorded seven strikeouts and surrendered two earned runs on way to a ten run rule victory in five short innings.
"Kyle (Weeks) did really well for us," added Samples. "He controlled the plate and kept the ball in play. He played a huge role. With Kyle doing well in this game we have our aces ready for Regionals."
Dalton Woolard went 1-3 with two runs. Nate Williams went 1-2 with 2 runs.
Bricen Harpool went 1-3 with two RBI and two runs. Preston Filkins 1-2 with two runs.
Calen McGinty 0-2 with a run. Jake Osteen went 2-3 with two doubles and two RBI.
Addison Eggerston went 2-3 with a double and two RBI. Keelen Garza went 0-2 with a run.
"We recorded eight hits on the night," explained Samples. "We hit the ball really well. Im very proud of the way our guys worked the plate and worked the count."
"In the post-season it's more of a mental game than a physical one," added Samples. "We ran the bases well, and to be successful you have to be fundamentally sound on both sides of the plate.
"We were smart on offense and defense. If we play the way we did tonight we can make some noise in the post season," explained Samples.
West Frankfort, Ill. —
