Kaskaskia Headed To World Series

The Kaskaskia Blue Devils are headed to Grand Junction Colorado for the NJCAA Division 1 Baseball World Series.

The Blue Devils rolled through the Northern District Tournament going 3-0. In Game 1 Friday, Effingham High School graduate, Nick Gardewine took a no hitter into the seventh inning before giving up a hit with one out. Gardewine departed going 7 1/3 with one hit and no earned runs. Devon Boyd came in to get the final two outs in the eighth and Danny Arroyo got the final three outs in the ninth as KC won 5-1 over South Suburban.

Game two Saturday was a nail bitter against Wabash Valley. Wabash left two runners on in the first and bases loaded in the second before they finally got one across in the third to take a 1-0 lead. Wabash added another in the sixth to lead 2-0 before KC tied it in the bottom half.

In the bottom of the seventh Josh Galvan got a one out triple and Chase Fieldhouse scored him with a sacrifice fly to give KC the 3-2 lead. Boyd came on in the eighth and Wabash had bases loaded with one out but a popout and a diving catch by right fielder Jarod Perry ended the inning. Forey Albert pitched the ninth and got the save.

Sunday’s championship game was all KC from the get go as the Devils won 16-6 over Wabash to advance to the World Series. Kaskaskia's record is now 39-10. The squad is riding a 15 game winning streak into Colorado.

Kaskaskia is coached by Mitch Koester, former Teutopolis grad and “Coach of the Year” this year for Region 24. Local players include, Nick Gardewine (Effingham HS) Kyle Floyd (Windsor HS) Ryne Floyd (Windsor HS) Brandon Hemmen (Teutopolis HS) Seth Kline (Neoga HS) and Colby Bushue (South Central HS).