Author: Richard Torres, IndyStar

INDIANAPOLIS — For 20 consecutive outs, Boone Grove ace Ty Bothwell, an Indiana University recruit, was cruising.

That was until Southridge (25-7) made things interesting late before falling just short, 5-4, in the IHSAA Class 2A baseball state championship at Victory Field

With two outs and two runners on base in the bottom of the seventh, a dropped third-out fly ball in left field cut Boone Grove’s lead 5-2 before the Raiders chased Bothwell after 6 2/3 innings.

The Wolves’ senior dominated the game with 12 strikeouts to push his postseason tally to 54 overall, but things began to unravel as left fielder Dylan Paul lost his grip on a Colin Smith fly and Boone Grove’s 5-0 lead.

The fielding error scored two and after a two-run single by Chase Taylor with the bases loaded and two outs, Bothwell was relieved by Bryce Morris.

Bothwell gave up all four runs, ending his postseason scoreless streak, but none were earned so he lasted the whole postseason without giving up an earned run. The left-hander allowed six hits to Southridge. He only surrendered seven hits in the state tournament entering the state title game.

“That’s just part of the game. Anything can happen,” Bothwell said. “You never want to see (an error) happen, especially with your team out in the field, but it is what it is. We still got the win, and we’re still happy to win state.”

Bothwell reached 122 pitches, which prompted the switch by Boone Grove head coach Pat Antone.

Southridge had two runners on base and after a walk by Morris, the Raiders loaded the bases again in the seventh.

“That’s only the second time this year we’ve had to pull (Bothwell) because of pitch count,” Antone said. “The other time was the regional championship when we went 10 innings (winning 1-0). Bryce came in that game, too, and had to get one out with guys on second and third in a tough spot.”

Morris closed the door against the second Southridge batter he faced, getting Joe LaGrange to fly out in shallow left field for the game-ending out.

“This couldn’t be better,” Bothwell remarked after the Wolves captured their first baseball state championship in program history. “We won it.”

Boone Grove went scoreless until the top of the fifth. A four-hit frame led to four runs with RBI hits by Austin LeMar and Bothwell. Taylor Piazza drove in the first run with a one-run double.

The Wolves sent 10 batters to the plate, ending Logan Seger’s outing after 4 1/3 innings. Seger came into the state with a perfect 11-0 record and a 1.28 ERA.

Bothwell improved to 10-2. He threw five no-hitters and two perfect games this season.

Paul put Boone Grove ahead 5-0 in the top of the sixth, scoring on a throwing error after stealing third base. His run proved decisive as Southridge charged back.

Southridge defeated four of its six postseason opponents by 10 runs or more entering the state finals and outscored all six 62-6. The Raiders’ narrowest margin of victory during the state tournament was 5-1 against No. 8 Linton-Stockton in the Southridge Sectional semifinals.

Southridge won its first regional and semistate championship en route to its first state finals appearance. Its sectional title was the program’s fourth overall and first since 2013-14 in 3A.

“It feels really good. It hasn’t really set in yet, but it feels amazing,” said Antone, who led the Wolves to a 22-5 record. “I’m proud of these guys.”

Boone Grove collected its 13th sectional title this state tournament and third in six years. The Wolves regional was their seventh all time and first since 2007-08.

The unranked Wolves knocked off No. 2 South Adams 1-0 in 10 innings during the Whiting Regional finals and upset No. 1 Lafayette Central Catholic 1-0 in the Plymouth Semistate.