The winning continues for Licking

By Editor | October 8, 2025 |

Photo by Shari Harris
Karson Walker threw a no-hitter in the 15-0 win over Plato.

By Cole Roark

The week of September 29 was another big one for the Wildcat baseball team, as they would pick up five more wins to bring their overall record to 19-3. Doing the job has been the mantra for Licking all season, and they were up to the task against five different opponents as they continued to pitch, play defense, and hit successfully all week long.

Monday saw the Wildcats travel to Stoutland for a varsity-only matchup. Colin Kuhn took the mound for Licking, turning in a solid performance as he threw a complete game, striking out five, walking two, and allowing three hits and two runs. Licking collected 12 hits in the game, including doubles from Isaac Running Horse, Karson Walker and Logan Buckner. Conway Adey hit a solo homerun in the top of the first to get the scoring started, and Licking never looked back, scoring 15 runs in five innings. Licking was also dangerous on the basepaths, with seven stolen bases in the contest, including three for Karson Walker.

Tuesday was a home game, and a special one. Byron Hagler, coaching legend who was at Licking from 1980-1994, was honored and had his number retired. Inspired, perhaps, by the pregame ceremony, Licking beat Plato easily, with a score of 15-0 in just four innings with help from a double by Easton Stoops and five more stolen bases. Karson Walker threw a no-hitter in the shortened contest, striking out eight. Congratulations Coach Hagler!

Thursday was another home contest, this time against Dixon. In the previous matchup between the Wildcats and Bulldogs, Licking won in a tight 4-1 game in the Frisco Tournament semifinal. Things would go a little more easily for the ’Cats this time, as they got the bats going early with a three-run bottom of the first, as a big two-RBI double from Jett Sullins got the offense rolling. Sullins went 1-for-1 on the day, with a double and three walks. Karson Walker and Conway Adey each picked up two hits, and Adey’s were timely as he supplied four RBIs. Pitching was a combined effort from starter Trent Wood and Logan Buckner, who finished the game in relief. After surrendering one run in the top of the first, Wood settled in and it became difficult to square up for Dixon. The sophomore went five innings, scattering four hits, allowing one run, while walking one and striking out one. Logan Buckner delivered the final outs, as he struck out two in two innings, walking none, and allowing one hit and an unearned run. Final score 9-2, Licking. In the JV contest, the boys won another as they rallied late to win 6-4.

Saturday saw doubleheader action in Iberia. The first matchup was against defending Class 1 State Champion St. Elizabeth. With a high noon first pitch, the Wildcats were ready to play, as they pounced on some defensive miscues in the top of the first to score five runs. Even after surrendering a big inning, St. Elizabeth came out swinging. A three-run homerun in the bottom of the frame made the game feel much tighter, but starter Isaac Running Horse continued to work and settled in, turning in a solid start. The sophomore surrendered nothing else after the first, making his final line over five complete innings, eight strikeouts, four walks, three hits, and three runs. Logan Buckner got the call in relief, working two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, with one strikeout and one walk. Seven different Wildcats collected a hit in the contest, paced by Trent Wood as he picked up three hits and two RBIs. Final score: Licking 9, St. Elizabeth 3.

In the final match of the day and the week, Licking faced familiar foe Iberia. Iberia had beaten Licking at home back on September 18 in a one-run game, so there was a little more on the line than just the regular rivalry. Conway Adey had started the previous contest against the Rangers and had not fared well. He got his redemption this time out, as he threw a complete game shutout, striking out nine in seven full innings, allowing just two hits and two walks. The Wildcats also took the rematch as a chance to flex some offensive muscles, collecting eleven hits, including a double from Isaac Rinne and a homerun from Jason Ingram, to go along with his five-RBI game. Trent Wood continued to tear up opposing pitchers, as he grabbed four more hits in the contest for a total of seven on the day. Logan Kuhn added his talents to the mix, as he stole two bases in the contest. Licking won the game 10-0, finishing the week 5-0 and pushing their record to 19-3.

Next action is at Crocker on October 6, and the Wildcats will finish the fall at home on October 7 against Richland.