Wildcats rally past Lansing to get home win

By Andy Brown
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: April 29, 2025

***Louisburg junior Bristol Barbour makes a sliding catch in right field during the Wildcats’ April 25 game against Lansing at Lewis-Young Park.***

Nothing seemed to be going right for the Louisburg baseball team in its home game with Lansing.

The Lions jumped out to a 1-0 lead and the Wildcats couldn’t seem to get the key hit when they needed it. To make matters worse, Louisburg starting catcher Danny Napier had to leave the game with an injury.

However, the Wildcats rallied in his absence as his replacements — Christian Owens (with the bat) and Carter Willey (on defense) — provided the team with the spark they were looking for.

Louisburg scored four unanswered runs in its final two innings to secure a 4-1 victory on April 25 at Lewis-Young Park.

Owens had two hits in two plate appearances off the bench, including an RBI double and he scored two runs in key moments in the game. As for Willey, he held it down behind the plate as the Wildcats snapped a mini 2-game losing skid.

The Wildcats were able to bounce back after tough losses to Tonganoxie (15-4) and Gardner-Edgerton (3-0) last week.

“That was a great team win,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “Everyone stepped up when needed and did a great job finding a way to win. Willey did really well behind the plate when Danny went down and Christian had two clutch hits for us when we needed it. They both did a great job.”

Wildcat starter Alex Saad kept his team in the game after Lansing scored a run in the first inning. Saad limited the damage as he went six innings and had eight strikeouts to go along with just three hits.

***Louisburg senior Alex Saad earned the win after he pitched six innings of one run baseball against Lansing.***

Owens came in for the save in the seventh and allowed just one hit and struck out a batter to preserve the win.

“Saad kind of struggled in the first inning but after that he was great,” Larson said. “He let his defense work and threw a ton of strikes.”

Louisburg’s defense came through with several big plays as third baseman Luke Schultz and shortstop Rylan Carty made diving stops on the infield. Second baseman Bristol Barbour also made a sliding catch in shallow right field.

Barbour joined Owens as they each led the Wildcat bats with two hits. Max Amren and Meade Rutherford both recorded a double, while Owens, Barbour and Rutherford each drove home a run.