Vianney Bounces Back From Stunning Loss to Claim Third Place at State

Even though its mighty offense was spectacular in two games, Vianney had to settle for a third-place finish in the Class 4 state semifinals this weekend at Meador Park in Springfield, Mo.

The Golden Griffins will not soon forget the events from Friday night as Vianney tangled with Francis Howell in an instant prep classic featuring a relentless string of clutch hits—and runs. In the Class 4 semifinal matchup, Francis Howell outslugged Vianney, 14-13. The Vikings (32-3) went on to claim the state crown on Saturday evening with a 10-5 victory over Liberty.

The Griffins, who had won 12 of their past 13 games before Friday’s defeat, managed to collect themselves and snare the third-place trophy with an 11-8 victory over Ozark (22-7) on Saturday afternoon. They end the season at 26-9 and averaged over nine runs per game this season.

Pacing the offense was senior second baseman Brandon Schlichtig, who had three hits and drove in two runs. Schlichtig also entered the game as a reliever in the bottom of the seventh inning and recorded the game’s final out on a pickoff play. Senior pitcher Jake Rule notched the win.

Sophomore third baseman Matt Brown added two hits, including two-run home run.

On Friday night, Vianney fell in eight innings after being just one out from victory before Howell’s dramatic three-run rally in the bottom of the eighth. Griffins first baseman Ryan Barnes led the charge with a home run, double and five RBI. Senior center fielder Ryan Snyder added a pair of two-run homers as Vianney came back from an 8-2 deficit before its heart-wrenching loss.

The Griffins plated two runs in the eighth to briefly move ahead, but could not close the game out. Vianney also scored twice in the seventh, but Howell matched those two runs to send the game into extra innings tied at 11.

Ozark lost to Liberty, 13-3, in Friday’s other Class 4 semifinal.