Some defensive breakdowns and a lack of run production led to the Bishop O’Connell Knights' elimination in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference baseball tournament.
O’Connell was knocked out in the semifinals, losing twice to Gonzaga by 4-1 and 5-1 scores, in the best-of-three series. The Knights defeated DeMatha, 1-0, in the quarterfinals.
O’Connell hosted the second game against Gonzaga and didn’t score until the bottom of the seventh inning on an RBI single by Noah Haught. Defensive miscues led to the majority of Gonzaga’s runs in one big inning, as O’Connell starter A.J. Murray pitched well in defeat.
In the first game, O’Connell’s run scored on an error. Gonzaga scored three of its runs with the help of a walk and errors.
O’Connell lost to Gonzaga four times this season, falling by close 1-0 and 3-2 scores in regular-season contests.
Next for O’Connell (16-13) should be the Division I private-school state tournament. The top nine-ranked Division I teams earn tourney berths. O’Connell was ranked fifth in last week’s poll and is expected to remain ranked in the top nine.
