Carmel Cubs 12U Team Tops Bedford in Playoff Opener

CARMEL—After splitting a doubleheader with Bedford on Saturday, the Carmel Cubs 12U team beat the same team once again on Monday in the opening round of the playoffs. The fifth-seeded Cubs (5-13) beat fourth seed Bedford, 10-1, on Monday night to keep their season alive. The win followed Saturday’s split where the Cubs lost the opener 18-8, before winning the second game 6-4. The Cubs also picked up a 12-0 win over Lewisboro on Wednesday.

Tyler McMath of Carmel went 2-for-3 in a win over Lewisboro last week. SKIP PEARLMAN “After so many games in a row, it’s kind of like who can survive,” said coach Neal Sullivan.

Playing for their third time in three days, the Cubs were very familiar with Bedford, and were involved in a pitcher’s duel until the fifth inning when Aaron Bjorkander drove in three runs with a bases-loaded triple in a five-run fifth.

While Bjorkander had the biggest hit of the game, he got plenty of support from his teammates as well. All but one of the Cubs scored in a game where everyone reached base. Quinn Willman, Matt Haughney, Ryan Sullivan, and TJ Costello combined for seven of the Cubs 12 hits.

Carmel pitcher Aaron Bjorkander delivers vs. Lewisboro last week. Bjorkander also picked up the win, as well as a three-run triple, Monday in the playoffs. SKIP PEARLMAN “We played nice fundamental baseball,” Sullivan said. “We played good defense, and everybody contributed.”

In addition to his big hit, Bjorkander pitched a complete game and struck out 13 to lead the Cubs to the second round.

“He pitched a terrific game,” Sullivan said. “He played his best game of the season, and you always like to have your best game in the clutch.”

Before the playoffs began, the Cubs split their Saturday games with Bedford to close out their regular season. Bedford won the first game, but the Cubs quickly recovered and took the second.

TJ Costello of Carmel was one of several Cubs who provided the offense as Carmel won its first-round playoff game Monday. SKIP PEARLMAN “We didn’t give up,” Sullivan said. “The score looks worse than the actual outcome of the game. We hung in there, we just made too many mistakes to overcome.”

Zach Kopet scored twice in the loss, while Tyler McMath and Rob Pirrelli each scored as well.

In the second game of the double header, the Cubs got solid pitching from Costello and Haughney who combined to keep Bedford’s offense in check.

“We didn’t play well that first game at all, but we were able to bounce back and take the next two from them,” Sullivan said.

The teams entered the fifth tied at one, before the Cubs were able to push across three runs to take the lead for good. Brian Rice came through with an RBI single in the inning to give the Cubs some much needed insurance. Willman scored three runs, while Dan McIntyre singled twice.

Carmel’s Quinn Willman looks for a pitch to hit against Lewisboro. SKIP PEARLMAN Before their three games against Bedford, the Cubs beat Lewisboro 12-0 in a game that was called midway through the fifth. Bjorkander made the start and struck out eight in five innings.

McIntyre went 2-for-2 with a triple, and two RBI, while McMath went 2-for-3 to lead the offense.

“We’re playing our best baseball now,” Sullivan said. “We’re peaking at the right time.”

The Cubs were set to play top seeded New Castle yesterday (Wednesday), with a possible championship game scheduled for Saturday.