Bobcats’ Postseason Run Ends Against Volunteers

FAIRFIELD, Ill. – After a hard-fought 15-10 loss to Wabash Valley College on Wednesday afternoon, Coach Matt McCue and his Frontier Community College Bobcats faced a quick turnaround Thursday morning in the Region 24 postseason tournament.

With the double-elimination format leaving no room for error, Frontier returned to Carterville to face host John A. Logan College in a win-or-go-home matchup. The Volunteers also entered Thursday needing a win to keep their postseason hopes alive after falling 13-0 to Kaskaskia College on Wednesday.

Despite a strong effort, FCC saw its season come to an end with a 4-2 loss to JALC.

The Bobcats struck first in the top of the first inning when Kasey Lowe launched a solo home run to left field, giving Frontier an early 1-0 lead.

John A. Logan answered in the bottom of the second inning, taking the lead after Bryce Nevils drew a bases-loaded walk and Hayden Bernreuter was hit by a pitch, bringing in two runs and putting the Volunteers ahead 2-1.

Frontier battled back in the top of the fifth. Dillon James delivered a double to center field, bringing in the tying run and evening the score at 2-2.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the eighth inning, when JALC broke through. Hayden Bates hit a solo home run to center field to put the Volunteers back in front, and Justin Lang followed with an RBI double to extend the lead to 4-2.

Brady Davis earned the win for John A. Logan, throwing four scoreless innings in relief while allowing no hits, striking out four, and walking none. Nate Stivers took the loss for Frontier, allowing two runs on three hits over three innings while striking out five and walking one.

Jonny Lee started on the mound for the Bobcats and turned in a solid outing, allowing two runs on four hits over five innings while striking out six. Gabe Smith started for the Volunteers, giving up two runs on two hits over five innings while striking out seven.

James and Lowe each collected one hit and drove in one run for FCC. The Bobcats were strong defensively, finishing the game without committing an error. Lowe led Frontier with 13 defensive plays.

For John A. Logan, Lang and Bates each recorded three hits. Lang, Bernreuter, Nevils, and Bates each drove in one run. Nevils led the Volunteers with two walks, while JALC drew seven walks as a team. Lang also stole two bases as John A. Logan finished with three stolen bases overall.

With the loss, Frontier's season comes to a close at 35-20 overall and 18-12 in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference.

Coach Matt McCue and the Bobcats thank everyone who supported the team throughout the season. Frontier also extends its appreciation to Bobcat Nation for helping livestream home games from FNB Field and for showcasing Bobcats Baseball throughout the year.