McCutcheon and Harrison classmates tip caps after tight IHSAA Class 4A baseball semifinal

McCutcheon 6-foot-3 sophomore pitcher Sammy Swank and Harrison senior ace Aiden Schwartz matched each other inning for inning and throw by throw.

But it was a classmate of Schwartz's that would do the early damage in the first. Schwartz shares an exercise science class with McCutcheon designated hitter Riley Sands.

Both Sands and Swank share the exercise science class together near Lafayette Jeff that merge the two schools' classes together.

Sands hit a solo home run in the second at-bat of the game while backed by Swank who threw a complete game with 12 strikeouts, four hits and three walks and McCutcheon stunned defending sectional champion Harrison 1-0.

More: McCutcheon pitcher Sammy Swank sharpens mindset in 2024

"It was a surreal moment," Sands said. "You got to tip your cap to Aidan Schwartz. He's an amazing pitcher who pumps the strike zone and you got to tip your cap to him."

McCutcheon (21-5) plays Logansport for the IHSAA Class 4A Championship at Loeb Stadium on Monday at 6 p.m.

Swank and Schwartz battled in a pitching duel that was close both in aptitude and volume. Schwartz tossed nine strikeouts and picked off outfielder Aiden Riser in the fifth inning while allowing five hits — three of them to Sands.

Schwartz threw 115 pitches and Swank tossed 113 pitches. One pitch left in the zone was enough to catapult McCutcheon.

"He took advantage of the 2-0 and put one over that wall," Schwartz said. "One pitch and we had it. But that's alright. It happens."

Schwartz, the elder statesmen who is signed to University of Alabama at Birmingham in the fall, peppered the zone with fastballs and sliders while Swank matched the senior's efficiency.

"It was just about putting the trust into the work we put in during the offseason," Swank said.

Harrison (16-12-1) had its reign of three straight IHSAA Sectional Championships snapped — having not lost a sectional playoff game since falling to Zionsville on May 22, 2019.

Swank weathers storm

Swank dodged trouble in the sixth inning. He allowed a walk to Drew McTaggert with one out followed by a single from outfielder Aidan Lowry who advanced to second after an error in left field. The Raiders had runners at second and third with an open bag but failed to capitalize.

Kentucky commit Swank struck out Jack Dowell and induced a ground out to shortstop by designated hitter Kendrick Pena.

It was senior catcher Sage Adams who kept the hard throwing underclassmen calm.

We've been in this situation before," Adams said. "It's all about winning this current pitch and I love working with (Swank), we get a pace and we just roll. I love working with him."

Schwartz leaves lasting legacy at Harrison

Schwartz slapped his chest and high fived his teammates after he tossed a scoreless seventh inning with his mom Noel Charse wiping the tears after watching her son pitch his final high school outing.

The emotionally charged Schwartz missed high school baseball for two seasons after undergoing multiple procedures to repair damage in his right arm.

Harrison coach Pat Lowrey reflected on what he learned from Schwartz and the impact he's left with the Raiders.

"Aiden has taught us as coaches on how to deal with adversity," Lowrey said. "This kid's character is through the roof. Outside of this game that a lot of people got to see, is that there's so much more to him. What people don't see is the positivity and the ability to deal with adverse situations"

"I'm going to remember him being a stud on the mound but he's left a lasting impression and legacy with us for his work ethic, his leadership and how to deal with failure. That's his legacy."

Lafayette Jeff ends season on high note

Lafayette Jeff baseball will have a wealth of underclassmen talent to lean into after falling to Logansport 3-1 in the IHSAA Class 4A Sectional Semifinals.

Sophomores Ben Pickering and Mason Pechin lined doubles for the Bronchos (6-21) who beat Marion 10-2 on Wednesday.

"We didn't have the outcomes we wanted but they went through their practices and processes as good as any team we've ever had," Lafayette Jeff coach Clayton Richard said. "There's a lot to be proud of. They came in and fought every day and that's all you can ask for as a coach."

Pechin, Pickering and junior captain Charlie Kallok will return to guide the Bronchos in 2025 after their semifinal exit.

"You got to find ways and baseball is a game of failures even if you're doing well," Richard said. "You have to find ways to improve, be there for your teammates and that's why baseball is so special."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: McCutcheon and Harrison classmates tip caps after tight IHSAA Class 4A baseball semifinal