A Marathon Battle in Jennings County
The Bloomington South baseball squad endured a marathon 13‑inning contest before edging out Columbus North in the Class 4A Jennings County Regional.
Reid Walker, already known for his versatility, delivered a steady performance on the mound, navigating the extra frames with composure and limiting the opposition.
The breakthrough came in the 13th when Connor Couch launched a decisive home run, sealing the victory and sending the Panthers into the next round.
Walker’s impact extended beyond the pitching mound; he boasts a .419 average at the plate, nine doubles, 13 RBIs, 25 stolen bases, a .952 fielding percentage and a 2.47 ERA, underscoring his all‑around excellence.
Couch, meanwhile, is batting .360 with a team‑best 33 RBIs and has already hit four home runs this season, a testament to his clutch hitting.
Coach Phil Kluesner praised the team’s competitive spirit and preparation, highlighting how the players embraced the challenge of a long game.
The Panthers now turn their attention to the Evansville Semi‑State, where they will meet North Central, aiming to capture their first semi‑state title since 1972.