Leps’ Magical Run in Baseball Continues

La Grange baseball coach James Zaruba knew he liked the collection of players he inherited in his first year as Leps head coach.

But even he might not have dared dream this high.

After winning their first two playoff series, La Grange is headed to the regional semifinals for the first time since the Leps won the state title back in 2013.

“I knew we had a good group of kids that could compete, and if the cards fell right we could do something,” Zaruba said.

Twice this postseason this magical Leps group has lost the opener of a best-of-three series, only to rally to win doubleheaders on consecutive Saturdays to keep their season alive.

The team is led by seven never-say-die seniors, but this is also a team built to be good for a while.

Sophomore Eli Gillum hit a three-run homer in last week’s Game 2 victory over Burnet.

Then it was freshman Tristan Ulrich, who pitched four innings of no-hit relief to clinch the Game 3 win.

“I knew he was a great pitcher, and I’m glad he got a chance to step up,” Zaruba said.

The Leps’ success comes in the midst of a season of success for Fayette County baseball. All five county baseball teams are still alive in the postseason.

“That’s great to see. The quality of baseball has always been really good in this area,” said Zaruba, who won a pair of state titles as an assistant at Flatonia. “Kids around here never stop playing baseball.”

Now the Leps get a chance to shine on an even bigger stage.

Game 1 of their regional semifinal series against Bridge City is at Rice University.

“The players are ecstatic. Coach Bruns always did a great job of scheduling great venues to play in the postseason when I was at Flatonia. I want these kids to have the opportunity to play somewhere like that in the postseason. We’re looking forward to it and I think the fans are too.”

Bridge City (23-6-1) presents a big challenge for the Leps (16-13), but so far La Grange has proved up to all postseason challenges.

“These guys know they can play with anyone,” Zaruba said. “I tell them that all the time.”