Cougars Explode Late to Eliminate Garrett and Stay Alive in Region 20 Tournament

The Frederick Community College Cougars erupted for eight runs over the final three innings to surge past the Garrett College Lakers, 16-9, in a back-and-forth NJCAA Region 20 DII West semifinal elimination game Saturday at home. With the win, the top-seeded Cougars avoid elimination and will face the Allegany College of Maryland Trojans in another must-win matchup on Sunday morning.

Frederick jumped out to an early 5-2 lead behind a two-run third inning highlighted by a clutch two-RBI single from shortstop Casey Westerberg. However, the #2-seeded Lakers wouldn't go quietly, responding with a four-run fourth frame that included a three-run home run followed by a solo shot to take a brief 6-5 lead. The Cougars tied it up in the fifth and never trailed again, despite Garrett drawing even one more time in the sixth.

Second baseman Clayton Dorsey led the offensive charge for FCC, going 2-for-6 with five RBIs, including a pivotal three-run double in the seventh that blew the game open. Right fielder Jacob Downey crushed a solo homer and finished 3-for-4, while designated hitter William Gisriel and left fielder Kellan Smith added key extra-base hits during a five-run eighth inning that sealed the deal. The Cougars worked 15 walks and stole four bases to stay on the attack all game long.

On the mound, Matthew Koeneke earned the win in relief, holding the Lakers to just one run over the final three innings while striking out three. Garrett's pitching staff struggled to contain the Cougars' relentless offense, allowing 14 hits and walking 15 across eight innings.

With the victory, Frederick improves to 46-10 and keeps its Region 20 tournament hopes alive. The Cougars will play Allegany College of Maryland Trojans in another must-win matchup on Sunday, May 11, at 11 AM and face a win-or-go-home matchup.