HASTINGS – In a rematch from game one of the 2024 season as well as last year’s District Final, the top two teams in the C-5 District were in action on a windy and sunny Friday late afternoon.
From Duncan Field in Hastings, #2 Wayne visited #1 Adams Central.
After having a scoreless game through seven innings, Gavin Redden drove in the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth as Wayne held onto the 1-0 victory. Both teams finished with five hits. WHS has now won back-to-back to improve to 14-7 while the Patriots had a two-game winning streak snapped falling to 14-6 with the chance still to earn a wildcard.
Earlier this season, Adams Central won 2-0 on March 15 in Wayne as the Blue Devils won 1-0 in last year’s District Final.
In the top of the eighth, Kaleb Moormeier led off with a single before Jaxson Kneifl put down a sacrifice bunt. Redden, who also finished with a single, then recorded a RBI double scoring Moormeier. Devin Anderson and Calvin Ankeny also singled for Wayne.
Redden (112 pitches) picked up the complete game shutout victory in eight innings allowing five hits while striking out six batters, walking one and hitting one.
Jayden Teichmeier tripled and singled twice while Jacob Reichstein singled twice for Adams Central.
Nicholas Conant (110) suffered the loss in seven and two-thirds allowing an earned run off five hits while striking out four batters, walking five and hitting one. Brendon Ground (1) worked a third of an inning.
Wayne High advances to their 13th state tournament in program history marking back-to-back appearances after going 3-2 last year during the first-ever Class C bracket.
The 2024 NSAA State Baseball Championships will open for Class C on Saturday, May 11 in a double-elimination format. Games will be played at Frerichs Field in Elkhorn on May 11.
C-1: #1 Malcolm (19-3) won 15-0 over #3 GACC/West Point-Beemer (9-8).
C-2: #1 Lincoln Christian (14-4) won 5-0 #3 Auburn (10-11).
C-3: #1 Central City/Centura (17-7) won 1-0 #2 Omaha Roncalli Catholic (11-15).
C-4: #1 Platteview (14-9) won 2-0 over #2 Mount Michael Benedictine (11-11).
C-5: #2 Wayne (14-7) won 1-0 over #1 Adams Central (14-6).
C-6: #2 Douglas County West (13-5) won 2-1 over #1 Lincoln Lutheran (13-7).
