The Wamego Varsity Raiders 2025 fell 5-4 to Washburn Rural Varsity Jr. Blues on Thursday despite outhitting their opponents six to three in a closely contested 4A vs 6A matchup.
Kaden Kearn led the Raiders' offensive effort, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. The Raiders stayed competitive throughout the contest before Washburn Rural secured the victory with a sacrifice bunt in the sixth inning.
Washburn Rural jumped ahead early, scoring two runs in the first inning after an error on the infield. The Raiders fought back in the top of the fourth when Kearn's double to left field drove in two runs, giving Wamego a brief 3-2 lead.
The Jr. Blues immediately responded in the bottom half of the inning when Wilson Miller singled to left field, and an error by the Raiders allowed two runs to score, putting Washburn Rural back in front 4-3. Wamego tied the game at four in the top of the sixth when Macoy Moody grounded out to drive in a run, but the Jr. Blues pushed ahead with the decisive run on Miller's sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the frame.
AJ Payne earned the win for Washburn Rural, pitching two scoreless innings of relief with one strikeout while allowing just one hit. Isaac Braun took the loss for Wamego despite a solid outing, going six innings with five strikeouts while surrendering just three hits. Only one of the five runs he allowed was earned, as defensive miscues proved costly for the Raiders. Braun continued his impressive season on the mound. He maintains the 3rd lowest ERA in 4A with a minuscule 0.53.
The Raiders showed excellent plate discipline throughout the game, drawing six walks, with Kasen Hall leading the team with two free passes. Noah Johnson was perfect at the plate for Washburn Rural, collecting two hits in two at-bats, while Miller drove in two runs from the eighth spot in the batting order.
Wamego Varsity Raiders 2025 will look to bounce back when they host Baldwin on Monday.
