With two thrilling victories over Park City and Cedar High, the Carbon Dinos secured a spot in Thursday’s 3A semifinals, which will take place at Kearns High School.
Entering as a No. 3 seed, the Dinos won one of the longest games the classification has witnessed this season as they topped No. 2 Park City 3-2 in a 14 inning marathon. Senior Dallyn Mower broke a lengthy 2-2 tie in the top of the 14th frame and the Dinos closed the game by shutting Park City out in the bottom half.
Cole Fossat pitched a solid 10 innings striking out 12, giving up eight hits and allowing just one earned run in a non-decision effort. Zac Bradley received the win allowing just two hits in three innings of work. Mitch Olsen recorded two strikeouts in a one inning relief performance.
Mower and Fossat produced the majority of Carbon’s offense combining for seven hits and two home runs, both solo shots. As a team the Dinos combined for 15 hits, 13 of which were singles. Fossat and Nate Olson both recorded one double.
Due to the length of the opening round game, Carbon’s second round match up against Cedar High was moved to Pleasant Grove where the teams could play under the lights. In a similar, less lengthy fashion, the Dinos again earned a late one run victory topping Cedar 4-3 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Olsen recorded the win on the hill in a seven inning complete game effort. Giving up eight hits during the outing he allowed just one earned run while striking out two. After no run support throughout the first five innings, Carbon’s bats finally helped Olsen by scoring four runs in the final two frames.
Fossat was once again mighty for the Dinos at the plate tying the contest with a three run shot in the sixth. Trey Richardson brought in the go-ahead run in the very next inning to give Carbon the lead for good.
The two wins on Saturday puts Carbon just two victories away from playing in the state championship. Up next will be a meeting with the defending state champions in Pine View. Last year Pine View defeated Carbon 8-0 in the semifinals before topping Cedar City in the semifinals and again in the state championship. Thursday’s contest will take place at 11:00 am.
*A previous version of this article stated Ty Anderson received the pitching win in the victory over Park City. Zac Bradley pitched in relief for the win.