ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - After a strong late-season push to earn a playoff berth, the Cordova Lancers went one-and-done in the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Division II playoffs following a 12-2 loss at Elk Grove on Wednesday, May 6.

No. 16 seed Cordova (12-16-1 overall) certainly had their work cut out for them as they were dealt with the unfortunate hand of facing the No. 1 seed in Division II in Elk Grove (24-6 overall). The Lancers put together a valiant effort offensively as they recorded 10 hits and carried a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the fourth inning, but things seemed to unravel in the bottom of the fourth when several questionable calls at the plate allowed the Thundering Herd to seize momentum and score six runs to take control of the contest. 

Cordova High School junior Nathan Tran prepares to swing during a game against Elk Grove High School. Photo by Zach Leach

Lancers senior ace Levi Nyberg was credited with surrendering eight runs on six hits in under three innings in his Cordova finale. Additionally, junior Bro Ahlstrom gave up four runs in what was a frustrating outing for the Lancers as a whole due to inconsistencies in umpiring throughout the late stages of the game. Offensively, seven different Lancers recorded at least one hit at the plate, but it wasn’t enough on the day to keep pace with the late rally from Elk Grove.

For the Thundering Herd, junior pitcher Cooper Gannon gave up two runs and seven hits in four innings, to go along with four strikeouts. Senior Brady Ramirez allowed three hits and recorded two strikeouts in relief efforts. At the plate Elk Grove saw four players score two runs apiece in what was an opening round playoff victory for one of the area's top programs. 

Junior Gabriel Bargas stretches for the throw from Levi Nyberg to get the Elk Grove runner out at first. Photo by Rick Sloan

Although the season may not have ended in the way they would’ve hoped, Cordova can hold their heads high after what was a remarkable late-season surge to make the playoffs after a slow start. Head coach Scott Ahlstrom will be saying goodbye to five seniors including the aforementioned Nyberg, outfielder Chicago Bush, outfielder Evan Nelson, catcher Chase Morton and first baseman Landon Gaskill, all of whom will leave big shoes to fill moving forward.

With a strong group of underclassmen who all figure to return next spring after gaining invaluable postseason experience, the Lancers should be right back in the thick of contending in the Metro League and within Division II of the Sac Joaquin Section. 

Senior Chicago Bush hits a hard shot to the left side for a base hit against Elk Grove. Photo by Rick Sloan