Frankfort stopped in semis by Beal City

FROM STAFF REPORTS

June 12, 2009 10:00 pm

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BATTLE CREEK -- After another successful season, Frankfort was felled in the state semifinals for the second year in a row.

Beal City topped the Panthers 2-0 in their Division 4 semifinal.

Kohl Bechtel threw a two-hitter for the Aggies (33-6). Kyle Zimmerman had both of those hits.

"He did an excellent job," Panthers coach Mike Zimmerman said of Bechtel. "He kept us off balance all game."

Zimmerman also started for Frankfort (37-2), throwing 6 2/3 strong innings, striking out six and giving up three hits and one earned run.

"It was a great pitchers' duel," Mike Zimmerman said. "We've been getting breaks all season, but today we didn't get them."

Cameron MacArthur faced one batter in relief, striking him out. Both Zimmerman and MacArthur are sophomores and will be counted on to lead the Panthers in the near future as a highly-successful senior class departs.

Frankfort has a record of 69-6 in the last two seasons.

"This senior class just had an outstanding career," Mike Zimmerman said. "Sixth-nine wins and going to the final four two years in a row is incredible. We won't be able to replace those guys."

Beal City scored both of its runs with two outs in the third inning, the second crossing the plate on an error.

The Panthers lost 9-3 to Westland Lutheran in last year's semifinals.