Magical things can happen when the state playoffs roll around.
Perhaps the Wildcats are about to catch lighting in a bottle? Time will tell.
With a resounding 11-8 win in Game 1 of the Area round series against Killeen under their belts, the 'Cats returned home for Game 2 of the series with high hopes of sweeping the Eagles and advancing in the state playoffs.
With two men on base, and the score tied 5-5 in the bottom of the 7th inning, freshman Michael Ketchmark delivered the shot heard 'round Lake Highlands.
His walk-off game winning hit to left center field scored junior David Bloodworth from second base and sent the crowd and his fellow teammates into a wild series winning celebration.
While Ketchmark delivered the game winning hit, several other Wildcat players deserve plenty of recognition for their play in today's game, as well.
Senior Ryan Browder was one player who did it all for the 'Cats in Game 2 against the Eagles.
Junior pitcher Dylan Porter got the start for the 'Cats and pitched a solid four innings but after struggling a bit in the top of the 5th, Cats Head Coach Jay Higgins made the call to bring in senior Tim Davis to relieve him.
Davis did a spectacular job of closing out the 5th inning for the 'Cats, and with the score 4-5 in favor of the Eagles, Higgins made another switch on the mound by bringing in Browder.
Browder delivered in spades, retiring three out of the next four Eagle batters.
He then delivered again, this time with his bat, in the bottom of the 6th inning.
With two outs and no men on base, Browder smashed a ball over the left field wall for a solo home run which tied the game, 5-5.
Browder made quick work of the Eagles in the top of the 7th inning with the Eagles going three up, three down, to set the stage for Ketchmark's walk-off heroics.
"He's come through in big moments this year, and he delivered today," Coach Higgins said of his freshman third baseman. "This team is really coming together and playing tough right now."
‘Cats sweep Killeen to advance in state playoffs
May 15, 2010 by Steve Clary photos by Trevor Atkins









