Tornadoes upset by Vienna in the first round of the regionals

by Steve Dunford 

ZEIGLER, IL – The Zeigler-Royalton-Christopher Tornadoes fell yesterday in the first round of the Carterville Class 2A regional.  The Tornadoes, a number five seed was the host over the Vienna Eagles the 10 seed.

Steven Anderson fired a two hitter and worked into the 8th, as Gabe Schimpf came on in relief.  Christian Pearl worked the distance for Vienna.

The Eagles have had strong pitching all year, they just struggle to score runs.  I witnessed Pearl pitch a gem against West Frankfort, in which the Redbirds one 1-0,  Two runs were enough yesterday as he shut down a team that can be explosive.

Anderson, and Dalton Humphrey led the Tornado offense going 2-3 at the plate.  Nate Kerley and Layton Edmonds picked up the only hits for Vienna.

Schimpf (P-CF) is going on to play Division One Baseball next year for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.  He led the Tornadoes in hitting with a .488 average and a 0.40 ERA.

Anderson (C-P) will be playing at the next level for MacMurray college.  He hit .473 on the year and possessed a 1.27 ERA on the mound.

Shane McCowen (C-1B) finished the year with a .375 average and 2B Kaeleb Pedigo finished the year hitting 3.51.  Dalton Humphrey (P-OF) finished the year hitting .300 and had an 0.60 EFA

On the mound three other Tornadoes had outstanding years, Luke Garver (0.55 ERA) freshman Gabriel Motsinger (1.54 ERA) and Nick Hale (2.15)

The Eagles improve to 7-16 on the year and face the DuQuoin Indians tomorrow afternoon at 4:30, at the Carterville Class 2A Regional.

The Tornadoes complete the 2017 season with an 18-8 record.