After making a run on the biggest stage at the Division I State Tournament in Gillette, the Powell Pioneers came up just short in the end, as the eventual champion Cheyenne Sixers defeated the Pioneers 10-1 in the semifinals on Monday.

CHEYENNE 10, POWELL 1

Making it into the final four the Pioneers (26-26-1) took on one of the premier programs in state history in the Sixers (54-15-2).

The Pioneers did not find a baserunner in the top of the first, and the Sixers quickly found their offense in the bottom half of the inning.

A single was followed by two bunt singles, and the bases were loaded for Cheyenne with no outs.

A double scored two runs, and a single reloaded the bases.

Powell got a force out with a fielder’s choice at home, but an errant throw to first base into right field trying to get a second out allowed two runners to race around the bags and score to make it 4-0.

Cheyenne scored one more on a wild pitch, but Powell escaped by catching two runners on the base paths and trailed 5-0 after the first.

“They set the tone. We had a young pitcher on the mound and they knew it,” manager Jason Borders said. “Not taking anything away from August [Teten] but that was gonna be a tough challenge for him. It got out of hand (early).”

Powell got one back in the top of the second, as Caden Diaz walked and Ryder Stewart singled with one out.

After a strikeout, Carter Fauskee’s single scored Diaz, but Fauskee’s aggressive baserunning to second ended the inning with Powell trailing 5-1.

Powell held off Cheyenne again until the bottom of the third, when the Sixers got things going quickly.

A double followed by a single scored one, before the Pioneers recorded two straight outs.

The lead runner stole second, before a single brought him home.

Another single got a runner on, before a delayed steal scored another run. The Pioneers got the final out and trailed 8-1 after three.

Powell found minimal baserunners but couldn’t bring them home, before Cheyenne put the final touches on the contest.

A one out single was followed by the baserunner stealing second, before a single scored him and made it 9-1.

Cheyenne added a triple to follow, and led 10-1 after the fourth.

“They’re bigger, faster and stronger. It tells you where you need to take your program if you wanna win,” Borders said. “That’s (small ball) how we have to play because of our size and speed. When they want to crank a ball to the fence, they crank a ball to the fence.”

The Pioneers got a baserunner in the fifth, but it was too little too late as the Sixers found the final outs and the game ended in the fifth 10-1.

Cheyenne outhit Powell 12-4 and the Pioneers committed the only two errors in the contest.

Four Pioneers recorded a hit and Fauskee had the lone RBI.

Nine of the 10 runs for the Sixers were earned, as Powell struck out only one batter and walked two.

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Throughout the tournament, one team is named to the sportsmanship award. The Pioneers earned the nod this year.

“They said we got 6 of 6 votes from the umpires for it. That says something about our kids, our community and coaches. That’s a great thing,” Borders said.

LOOKING FORWARD

The Pioneers need to fill some big shoes following this season, as a number of seniors and a couple super seniors will be leaving the program, but an entire returning infield could help the Pioneers start on the right track early next season.

“I don’t think we’re rebuilding as much as reloading. Not at the caliber that the Sixers do and the (Sheridan) Troopers do,” Borders said. “I think our (new) guys will take a little time to get better. Hopefully we can get those younger guys up to speed.”

Pitching will continue to be an emphasis within the program, as new arms will be needed to help strengthen the rotation.

“If we can take anything from this tournament it’s that the boys need to get in the weight room and get stronger and faster,” Borders said. “What we’re replacing (next year) for the most part is our outfield and our pitching. We need to get some of our guys to step up and be pitchers, and not just guys we put on the mound to throw innings.”

Following the end of a long season with a new overall format, Borders was pleased with the results, but understands the difficulty moving forward of potentially competing should this new 23 team format continue.

“None of us knew what to expect when they put all the teams together. I had visions of it being worse than it was … This tournament played out how I wanted it to. I wanted to be there on day four, wanted to send some teams home,” Borders said. “We were top four in the state. I believe our program took another step … I think we can compete at this level. Can we ever win a state title? It’ll be tough. To finish top four out of 23 teams in the state is great for our program.”

DIVISION I TOURNAMENT RESULTS

FRIDAY

Casper Oilers def. Powell Pioneers 7-4

Cheyenne Sixers def. Sheridan Jets 7-3

Sheridan Troopers def. Cheyenne Hawks 2-0

Laramie Rangers def. Gillette Roughriders 9-2

SATURDAY

Powell def. Cheyenne Hawks 10-2 (Hawks eliminated)

Sheridan Jets def. Gillette 4-3 (Gillette eliminated)

Sheridan Troopers def. Casper Oilers 14-8

Cheyenne Sixers def. Laramie 12-4

SUNDAY

Sheridan Jets def. Casper 5-4 (Casper eliminated)

Powell def. Laramie 7-1 (Laramie eliminated)

Cheyenne def. Sheridan Troopers 7-0

MONDAY

Sheridan Jets def. Sheridan Troopers 9-2 (Troopers eliminated)

Cheyenne def. Powell 10-1 (Powell eliminated)

TUESDAY

Cheyenne def. Sheridan 8-1 (Championship game)