Remarkable run ends for Coalers

The final score Saturday was not the ending the Coal City baseball team envisioned, but it could not diminish what was one of the finest seasons in program history.
After defeating rival Reed-Custer in the regional semifinals, the Coalers saw their postseason run come to a close with a 9-0 loss to Wilmington in the Seneca Regional championship game.
The defeat ended a stellar campaign that saw Coal City finish 27-8 overall, capture the Illinois Central Eight Conference championship, and provide a memorable farewell season for longtime head coach Greg Wills.
While Wilmington celebrated its third consecutive regional title, the Coalers walked off the field knowing they had assembled one of the area's most successful teams and restored Coal City baseball to championship form.
The regional title game was a rematch of two regular-season meetings won by Coal City behind standout pitching performances from Lance Cuddy. This time, however, Wilmington turned the tables.
For four innings, the contest remained scoreless as Cuddy matched Wildcat ace Ryan Kettman pitch for pitch. Coal City's best scoring opportunity came in the fourth inning when Bobby Rodriguez singled and Gavin Berger worked a walk, but Wilmington escaped the threat with a strikeout and a key defensive play in right field.
The Wildcats finally broke through in the fifth inning, scoring five runs on four hits. Ryan Kettman delivered a two-run single before Cooper Holman added a two-run hit and Brysen Meents followed with an RBI single to make it 5-0.
Wilmington added four more runs in the seventh inning while Kettman continued to dominate on the mound. The senior right-hander tossed a complete-game two-hitter, striking out seven and walking two.
Coal City's only hits came from Rodriguez and Berger.
Despite the disappointing finish, the regional championship appearance capped an impressive season for a team that consistently found ways to win behind strong pitching, timely hitting and solid defense.
The Coalers reached the title game by defeating Reed-Custer 8-1 in Thursday's semifinal.
Coal City wasted little time taking control, scoring three runs in the first inning and never trailing. The Coalers added single runs in the third and fourth innings before breaking the game open with a four-run sixth.
Kellen Forsythe turned in a fine performance on the mound, tossing a complete-game four-hitter while allowing just one run and striking out seven.
Offensively, Coal City pounded out 10 hits. Donnie Ladas led the way with three hits and an RBI, while Tyce Farrell added two hits and a run batted in. Cuddy contributed a double and three RBIs, and Berger scored twice while drawing two walks.
The victory sent Coal City to the regional championship game for a showdown with Wilmington.
Although the Wildcats gained revenge Saturday, the loss did little to tarnish what Coal City accomplished this spring.
The Coalers won 27 games, earned a conference championship, spent much of the season ranked among the area's top teams and developed a roster that battled every challenge placed before it.
The season also marked the end of an era as Wills coached his final game before retirement. Over the years, Wills built Coal City into one of the area's most respected baseball programs, and his final team provided a fitting tribute.