Baseball fell 2-0 to Cypress High School last night in the CIF division one championship at Dodger Stadium. The squad looked for its second ever title since its first win in 2013 as well as redemption following two back to back first round playoff exits. The team’s run in the North Carolina National High School Invitational and CIF playoffs left them ranked third in the country according to MaxPreps. After the loss to the Cypress Centurions, the team’s final record is 27-6-1.

First baseman Tyler Ganus ’20 said despite the loss he feels content looking back the team’s accomplishments this season.

“It’s baseball, it happens,” Ganus said. “Gotta tip your cap to Cypress. Proud of my teammates for competing til the last out. We will learn from our losses and cherish our wins. It was a great season overall, despite the ending. Excited to get after it next year.”

Vanderbilt commit and leading pitcher this season, Sam Hliboki ’19 started on the mound for the Wolverines, lasted 5 ⅔ innings and gave up eight hits. Pitcher Bryant Reese ’19 came in as relief, shutting down the Centurions for the remainder of the game. Defensively, there were several keys plays preventing the Centurion hits from becoming runs. Catcher Jacob Galloway ’22 threw out two batters on the base paths. Right fielder Sam Biller ’20 threw a runner out a home, only allowing the Centurions to lead by one run heading into the fifth inning.

However, good defense without offense could not win the game for the Wolverines. The Centurion’s two pitchers shut out the Wolverines. Statistical leaders for hits and batting averages, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong ’20, shortstop Drew Bowser ’20 and designated hitter JP Corrigan ’19 went without a hit the whole contest. The Wolverines got a bit of momentum in the bottom of third with a lead off base hit from left fielder George Cooper ’21 and base hit by second baseman Tyler Cox ’19 with two outs. But, it was killed when Cooper was caught running to home by the left fielder. Nine wolverines struck out and only five were able to get on base leaving few opportunities to put one on the board.

Despite a bitter end to an upset-filled CIF run, Ganus said the team gave him a lot of good moments this season.

“This is an unbelievable group of guys,” Ganus said. “A brotherhood. Really grateful to have been a part of this team. Loved competing with them everyday.”