Baseball: Indians lose out on chance at 4A Metro League title

Thursday’s scenario set up perfectly for Cheyenne Mountain.

The defending Class 4A state champions were hosting upstart Castle View with the 4A Metro League title on the line.

But the Indians had no answer for Tim Koons, whose complete-game effort in a 9-4 win denied Cheyenne Mountain its second straight league title.

Koons gave up only two earned runs on five hits while striking out nine.

“I just tried to get ahead of the batters and keep them guessing,” said Koons, who used his curveball effectively all game. “Having my defense behind me, I know that if I make pitches they will back me up.”

Despite the loss, Indians exceed expectations.

The Sabercats (14-2, 12-1) took a quick lead, scoring four off starter Brett Helton in the first inning. And Cheyenne Mountain (14-5, 10-3) failed to muster a charge against Koons.

“We just couldn’t hit the ball today — it was a bad day at the plate,” said Nolan Johnson, who provided half of the Indians’ output with a two-run homer in the second. “But we need to come out with our heads up in the playoffs and not let this affect us.”

Castle View won its first league title in school history — one that took only four years to achieve.

“We have been solid all year long, and Tim has been our center point,” coach Shawn Wyss said.

While the Sabercats can look forward to a solid seed in next week’s districts, the loss potentially could drop the Indians to third in the 4A Metro behind Widefield, which has one game remaining against Woodland Park.

“Getting down 4-0 off the bat hurt us, and Koons is one of the best pitchers we’ve faced,” Cheyenne Mountain coach Mark Swope said. “But there weren’t a lot of people expecting us to do much this season, and I’m proud of the regular season these guys have had.”