Lo-Ma BB Pitching Shuts Down Exira-EHK in District Opening Win, 6-0

Logan-Magnolia's Jason Kastner (L) & Crosby Yoder (7-7-25)

Lo-Ma BB Pitching Shuts Down Exira-EHK in District Opening Win, 6-0 -

(7-7-25) – Old school baseball ruled the day and led the Panthers to postseason win.

Crosby Yoder’s infield hit on a suicide squeeze helped increase Logan-Magnolia’s lead late as they beat Exira-EHK 6-0.

Jason Kastner and Wes Vana combined for the 1-hit shutout, helped out by some solid defense. Kastner talked about trusting his teammates to make plays.

“I knew my teammates were behind me from the beginning. Out on the mound, just had to focus on getting strikes across the plate. If they played in play, I know I got 8 more guys out on the field that will make plays for me.”

The only hit of the game for the Spartans came in the 7th on a 1-out double by designated hitter Josiah King off Vana.

Logan-Magnolia stymied Exira-EHK with solid defense. Kastner picked off a runner in the 1st on an unassisted play to help end an early threat. Brodie Davis threw out a runner trying to steal 2nd in the 2nd and a big 6-4-3 double play ended in the 5th.

“We’ve played solid defense all year. You know, we got Wes at short. He's got incredible range,” said Yoder. “Our connection is just amazing. Our double plays have been on since last year. We turned a few last year and this year they’re just even better.”

The game was kept close until the 6th, when the Panthers broke the game open. Back-to-back hits by Kastner and Drake Geith to start the inning drove in a run before Yoder followed a strikeout with his suicide squeeze play.

“Coach (Curtis Hinkel) came over to me just before my at-bat and said, ‘Probably gonna lay down a bunt.’ So, you know, I was ready for it. We've been working on it in practice and I've been trying to lay them down all year and you know, got the sign I was ready for it.”

Exira-EHK’s Alex Hansen had given up just 1 earned run and 5 hits up until that point. Hansen struck out 7 in 5 2/3 innings for the Spartans, who finish their season at 2-16.

Lo-Ma’s Kalab Kuhl when 2 for 4 with a triple and 2 RBI in the win. Kastner feels confidence is high for his team.

“I think if we just bring energy, play hard, I think we can come out on top again.”

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