Trinity may have gotten the first runs of the game, but it was the Aces offense that exploded to grab a 15-3 win to advance to the 3rd Region Semifinals.
The Raiders got off to a strong start getting on the board first, getting two singles before a two-out two-run double from junior Nathan Hernandez to take a 2-0 lead. The following at-bat an error allowed another run to cross the plate, giving them a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the first.
But Owensboro Catholic responded swiftly, getting two runs on a single from senior Sam McFarland. After two walks the game was tied up after a run scored on a wild pitch, with another crossing on an RBI groundout from senior Alex Castlen to take a 4-3 lead.
The Aces got one more to cap off a five-run inning, scoring on an error after a single from senior Jon Frey to take a 5-3 lead into the second inning. Following a scoreless second inning, Owensboro Catholic amped up the pressure offensively.
After two walks and a hit by pitch senior Everett Munsey came to the plate with the bases loaded and two down in the bottom of the third. He proceeded to clear the bases with a double to help himself on the mound, while scoring on a passed ball during the following at-bat to take a 9-3 lead into the fourth.
The Aces found themselves with the bases loaded again shortly into the fourth, earning three straight runs on three straight walks with no outs. Munsey followed with an RBI double before senior Luke Scales sent an RBI sac fly to center to take a 15-3 lead going into the fifth.
This was more than enough run support for Munsey to close the door, securing the 15-3 win and advancing to the second round of regionals.
Munsey tossed all five innings for Owensboro Catholic, allowing two earned runs on five hits, walking two and striking out six en route to the win. Munsey also led the way at the plate with five RBIs, while McFarland, Castlen and Frey had two RBIs each and Scales had one.
The Raiders pitching staff struggled on the day, as four pitchers combined to allow 14 earned runs on 15 hits and 11 walks. Hernandez was the only one to record RBIs for Trinity, driving two in as they fell to 8-20 to close out the 2022 campaign.
The Aces on the other hand extend their winning streak to 13 games and will see Meade County at 4 p.m. on Monday after they defeated Muhlenberg County 4-3.
