In addition to Crook’s masterful eight innings, only giving up six hits and two runs, juniors Zach Thompson and John Jaro also combined for three scoreless frames. Crook continues to be a workhorse for the Wildcats this season.

“Our workouts and conditioning we did in the offseason have got me to where I am now,” said Crook. “And also continuing to long toss during the season.”

Rogers High’s Zach Sample walked Crook in a tie game in the eleventh inning, that proved to be the winning run.

Junior outfielder Collin Richardson had been silent from the dish the entire night, until he cracked one to right-center field to bring home the winning run. He was 0-3 entering his fourth at-bat.

“I had been missing good pitches and not staying balanced [in my first three at-bats],” said Richardson. “But once I finally got one, it felt great to get the win for my teammates.”

Crook, who threw 122 pitches on the night, was also the winning run in the 3-2 win over Rogers (9-8, 2-4).

“It was just good seeing other guys getting the job done in a clutch time,” said Crook.

In ‘Game 2’, the first four innings were played and then suspended because of rain and lightening flashes nearby.

Already down by three runs, 1-4, the Wildcats returned to the diamond April 4 to finish what was started the night before.

When the game resumed, senior Justin Cox walked to get on. The Wildcats would get two more base runners in the inning, but stranded them all. Then in the bottom of sixth, Crook got on with a centerfield drive resulting in a double. Then, senior Preston Pianalto hit a single to score Crook and junior Zac Deshazo brought Crook home for another run.

Down only one run, sophomore Gus Vitt hit an RBI double scoring two runs to take the lead, 5-4, and they didn’t look back.

“We did a great job swinging the bats (last night),” said Pianalto. “That’s how we need to play every time we step on that field.”