5A baseball: Cherry Creek prevails in extra innings to reach Final 4
DENVER — Cherry Creek scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning and hung on to to take down Legend, 13-12, in the Class 5A state baseball tournament.
The Bruins put together three runs to get the victory. A sacrifice bunt from the cleanup hitter set up the go-ahead single from senior Jed Malashock, followed by an error, gave Cherry Creek the lead they needed to win.
“Not much (was going through my head),” Malashock said after the game. “There was a guy at second. All I was trying to do was shorten up and bring him in.”
Malashock turned in a 3-for-5 day, with two RBIs and a stolen base — a huge performance for the Bruin who didn’t see starting time until regionals.
“This performance was huge,” he said. “It’s what I’ve been working for for four years to do. Everyone wants to win on varsity.”
As for the Final 4?
“We get to play another day,” Malashock said. “It feels amazing, We need to stay hot (though) and make sure our pitchers arms are good. We need as much pitching as we can to (have success).”
Another Bruin found success in the bat with Andrew Chavez. The catcher went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, a walk and a sacrifice bunt.
“Being out at All-City, it’s truly an honor to be amongst the top teams in Colorado,” he said. “Being able to come up big and score some runs when we needed it most is truly something special.”
Chavez is no rookie to the big stage, this being his third and final trip to All-City.
“For this to be my third year back, I am really glad I could deliver today,” he said. “It’s a big win for our team and I can’t wait to play in the Final 4.”
With the victory, Cherry Creek stays alive in the tournament. The Bruins look to make a push for their ninth state title, and first since 2012.
