Carson’s Aiden Lopez slides into second as Douglas’ Luke Ackermann barehands the ball during the league game between the Carson Senators and the Douglas Tigers at Carson High School.
Jeff Mulvihill, Jr. | InstaImage
An eight-run first inning made sure Carson and Douglas baseball was destined toward a slugfest Friday night. Under the lights for the Senators’ Senior Night, Carson posted a 12-7 win over the Tigers to cap the regular season and head into regional play this week. Carson ends the regular season with a 7-9 record and the No. 6 spot in Northern Nevada Class 5A. The Senators will open regional play Tuesday at 4p.m. where they will travel to No. 3 seed Bishop Manogue (10-4). Douglas ends its 2021 spring season with a record of 3-14 and the No. 8 slot in the North. The Tigers open up regionals this evening (Monday), hosting No. 9 Galena (2-14) at 4 p.m. The regional tournament is double elimination, meaning each team will be eliminated after their second loss in regional play.
Carson seniors excited to make regional run For several of the Carson High seniors, Friday night served as one final chance to knock off their rivals and to jump into regional play with their best foot forward. “It was definitely nice to sweep the series this year and it means a lot to the community,” said senior Jade Stotts. “It’s awesome for us to end it on a high note.” Stotts threw two innings on the bump after getting the starting nod and went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, including a two-run single in Carson’s five-run first inning. Fellow seniors Bryce Baker and Kobe Morgan also knocked in RBIs in the second and fifth innings, respectively. “I think pitching, going up there and throwing strikes, playing defense and hopefully getting a few across,” Carson senior Justin Nussbaumer said. “We weren’t really good with the bats in the second half of the season, but if the bats could come alive during regionals that would be great,” said Kobe Morgan. Friday night, Carson’s 6-7-8 hitters drove in seven runs as Ian Fontaine matched Stotts’ three-RBI performance. Carson took on Bishop Manogue in a Saturday doubleheader May 1, dropping both contests 12-2 and 9-2. Douglas gearing up for Galena again With two wins over the Grizzlies this season, the Tigers and their coaching staff were excited to get a home playoff game regardless of seeding. “I feel good, always having confidence in my guys,” said Douglas head coach Ryan Gonzalez. “These kids are excellent competitors and I think some of those heartaches have helped us turn a corner. … We haven’t had to host a playoff game in a while.” The second-year head coach already had his starter for Monday circled Friday night, stating junior James Hubbard will get the start. Hubbard played right field Friday night against Carson and was 1-for-3 with a pair of RBIs in the third inning. Gabe Foster had another three RBI performance, going 3-for-4 with a double in the first inning. “We have to keep our bats alive,” said senior Tyler Rudd. “We just have to get some hits and play some D.” The Tigers hold wins of 15-5 and 7-5 over the Grizzlies this season. More postgame quotes “The two schools are so close and the rivalry is so great,” said Carson head coach Bryan Manoukian. “I wouldn’t say this is more special, but I am really happy for my seniors that they got a chance to go out and do what they did tonight.” “I tip my hat to the Douglas seniors as well. We’ve been competing against them for three or four years and we’ve been on the other end of these games and I know how that feels,” said Manoukian. “It’s definitely emotional,” said catcher Bryce Baker of Senior Night. “Last time playing and a night game here. The whole talked hype was for this game.” “It didn’t hit me until today, the realization that this was probably going to be our last game here,” Nussbaumer said. “It’s exciting.” “I think we’re just grateful we get the shot,” said Douglas senior Matt Goff. “Last year’s seniors didn’t get that opportunity and we just need to come out and make the most of it.” “It’s huge to me,” said Rudd of a senior season. “Once you get to the playoffs you have to focus on one game at a time.” “Our bats are coming around,” said Gonzalez. “We switched a couple guys in the bottom of the lineup. We’ve tried to get them in better situations, better fastball counts and they’ve really adjusted.”
