Two local baseball teams are in similar positions midway through the season.
This week, both Sequoyah and Tahlequah lost their first series but fought back throughout the game. Both teams are also set for weekend tournaments as they look to prepare themselves for the playoffs. To round out the comparisons, both teams are led by relatively young players.
THS coach Cody Pair knows the value of facing some adversity early in the season.
“I am proud of our guys. Adversity teaches us a lot and reveals a lot about us,” Pair said. “Sometimes the adversity stings when we have to learn from it. I am so proud of our guys because what the adversity revealed is they won’t quit.”
The Indians played a strong Kiefer team, but fell after responding twice Tuesday, April 1. The Tigers went down early to the Durant Lions, but battled back for five runs late in the game.
The Indians lagged behind 1-0 early but responded with a run in the first inning. In the second inning, the Indians took a 2-1, but when the game got tied up, they responded again to take the lead.
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Sequoyah coach Eric Kirkpatrick looks on from the dugout during the Indians game vs. Kiefer Tuesday, April 1.
“I was really proud of the way our guys answered back. That kind of response shows grit and maturity,” SHS coach Erik Kirkpatrick said.”It’s easy to hang your head after giving up runs, but our team showed they’re learning through adversity. They stayed composed, trusted each other and kept swinging with confidence. That’s exactly the kind of mentality we want.”
Throughout the Tigers’ game, the Lions jumped out to a couple of five-run innings. But in the sixth inning, THS jumped on the Lions for a five-spot of its own. Levi Kelly started the inning reaching on an error. Two batters later, Henry Hanley reached with a walk. Brayden Carey singled to centerfield, driving in Kelly.
A walk to Michael Torkelson loaded the bases, setting up a sac fly from Cutter Girdner. Synjin Sampson brought in another two runners with a double to end the rally and move the score to 13-8.
“Our guys kept fighting the whole way,” Pair said. “On the scoreboard, it shows a loss, and that’s on me. In my eyes, our guys kept fighting until the last out, and that’s a win. We will come back and win more than we lose with that resiliency.”
Both teams will finish their week at tournaments starting Thursday, April 3, but with storms projected, the teams are at the weather’s mercy.
“This stretch is a huge opportunity for growth. The more game reps we get, the more situations we experience and learn from,” Kirkpatrick said. “It’s helping to build depth, chemistry and confidence. These tough back-and-forth games are preparing us for the kind of pressure we’ll face in the postseason. We’re learning who we are as a team, and that’s exciting.”
The Tigers are playing in two tournaments. The varsity squad is scheduled to play a tournament in Noble, while the junior varsity team is slated for a tournament in Pryor.
“The rest of the week will be hectic,” Pair said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to go against the best teams in 5A and continue to grow and get better. We want to keep stacking days; that’s our goal.”
Across town, the Indians will hit the road playing in the Muldrow Tournament.
“I want to see us show up with energy,” Kirkpatrick said. “We’ve been competing hard and I’d love to see continued focus, hustle and team-first mentality. Tournaments are a great test of resilience, and I believe we are ready to rise to the occasion. If we keep playing with heart and playing for each other, good things will happen.”
