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photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union

Warsaw sophomore Humberto Nunez grits as he takes aim at his target in Friday's sectional game with Elkhart Central. After the game was suspended after 11 innings Thursday, Central won the game 3-2 Friday. The 17 innings is the fifth-longest game in IHSAA history.

ELKHART -ÊNearly 24 hours after Warsaw's sectional baseball game against Elkhart Central started, the Blue Blazers took home a 17-inning 3-2 win.

However, the Elkhart Central squad will not have much time to sit back and enjoy the hard-earned victory because it will turn around and play Concord in the sectional final today at 1 p.m.

The Tigers and Blue Blazers began their epic battle just after 8 p.m. Thursday at Elkhart Memorial's Charger Field. Warsaw and Elkhart Central played to a 2-all tie after 11 innings when the game was suspended around 11:30 p.m.

When play resumed in the 12th inning at 5 p.m. Friday, Warsaw and Elkhart Central were ready for battle again.

And battle they did.

The Tigers and Blue Blazers played four more scoreless innings, sending the game into the 17th still tied at 2.

However, Elkhart Central broke the stalemate in the top of the 17th inning. Justin Glick hit a 1-out double to reach base. Then Mickey Wagner stepped to the plate and belted a triple to the right-centerfield fence to send Glick across the plate and break the tie.

Down 3-2 in the bottom of the 17th, Warsaw moved in for its last at-bat. William Knepper reached base on a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Adam Augustine. Then Humberto Nunez hit a fielder's choice to shortstop Nate Montiel. Montiel threw to second in an attempt to get Knepper out, but Knepper beat out the throw, putting runners on first and second with one out.

Brooks Stogsdill walked to load the bases. Then Ryan DeGeeter hit a fielder's choice to the third baseman, who tossed Knepper out at home. Josh Stork struck out for the last Tiger out of the season.

"This was an excellent effort, just superb," said Warsaw coach Will Shepherd. "The kids played with a lot of heart, and that's what I really like to see. Our execution lacked at times. We had a number of chances to put it away, but we didn't. But the guys never put their heads down."

Elkhart Central pitcher Ben Taylor pitched 10 innings with seven hits and 14 strikeouts, but did not get the win. The win went to Mike Salmon, who pitched the last seven innings with no runs and just one hit. He struck out six.

"The Taylor kid from Elkhart Central completely dominated a decent offense," said Shepherd. "That kid and the kid from Lake Central are the only two kids who dominated us this season."

Warsaw sent four pitchers to the mound in the last game of the season. Adam Augustine pitched six innings with four hits and seven strikeouts, and then Michael Barger stepped up to the rubber. Barger pitched 3 2/3 innings with no hits and one strikeout before leaving with an injury to his hamstring after getting nailed by a hit ball.

"Our pitchers scrambled and battled back after a shaky start," said Shepherd. "I am very proud of them."

DeGeeter followed Barger, pitching 1 1/3 innings with no runs and two strikeouts. John Milton pitched the last five innings, allowing just one run but getting the loss.

Warsaw finishes the season 16-10, while Elkhart Central improves to 16-12 overall. The Blue Blazers play Concord at 1 p.m. this afternoon.

"Elkhart Central has a good ballclub over there," said Shepherd. "They are very solid." [[In-content Ad]]