Sophomore Jermie Pittman's two-out, two-run single in the fifth inning extended the 'Cats' season, for about five minutes. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

CONCORDIA -- A young Slater baseball team didn't have the firepower to challenge second-seeded Pilot Grove in the first round of the Class 1, District 15 Tournament at Concordia, losing a 13-3, five-inning contest.

After giving up the game's first run, the Tigers -- which reached the district championship game last year before losing to Santa Fe -- scored 12 runs in a row to seize control.

One-out singles by sophomore Jermie Pittman and freshman Travis Holt and a walk loaded the bases for the Wildcats in the top of the second inning. Senior Casey Bryson singled in Pittman, but the Purple left the sacks packed.

Pilot Grove was more efficient in its half of the frame, scoring nine runs on eight hits -- including a two-run triple by junior Trey Schibi. Seniors Jake Meisenheimer and Nick Haller also plated a pair of runs each with singles.

Schibi cracked a three-run homer in the third, but the Tigers were blanked in the fourth.

Slater attempted to rally in the fifth. Freshman Ethan Owens reached on an error and senior Kyle Durham singled, both runners moving into scoring position on a defensive miscue. Pittman drove both runners home with a single, but then was caught stealing.

That extended the contest, at least until the bottom of the stanza -- which Schibi led off with a single. He swiped two bags, racing home with the game-ending run when the throw to third base went awry.

Schibi finished with three hits and six RBIs for the Tigers (14-1), who will take on Wentworth Military Academy of Lexington in today's semifinal round after the Red Dragons demolished Northwest of Hughesville, 18-3.

Although the 'Cats (1-11) didn't win a game on the field -- their only victory coming by forfeit -- they showed promise with a line-up which consisted of seven underclassmen, including four freshmen.