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McLean’s bid to reclaim the district baseball banner ended with a narrow 2-1 loss to Herndon, a team the Highlanders had already defeated twice.

Playing on a neutral turf field after back-to-back playoff victories, McLean entered the district final confident but fell behind in the opening inning. Herndon collected a hit and scored once against sophomore pitcher Alex Inget before he settled down and ended the frame with consecutive strikeouts.

McLean’s offense also started slowly, striking out three straight times in the bottom of the first. The Highlanders continued to struggle at the plate in the second, going down in order while trailing 1-0.

“The game plan was honestly just play our game the way we know how to,” junior catcher Wyatt Batdorf said. “We’ve beaten them twice and we knew what to expect.”

Herndon threatened again in the second as McLean had difficulty completing routine infield plays, but the Hornets failed to add to their lead. A quiet third inning left the score unchanged.

“We definitely kept good vibes,” sophomore pitcher Charlie Coats said. “Getting down on ourselves benefits us in no way and we know that.”

McLean began to find its rhythm in the fourth. The Highlanders retired Herndon quickly with a strikeout and two throws to first, then finally broke through offensively.

Senior outfielder JW Riggins opened the inning with a single, and senior catcher Reid Turner followed with another. Sophomore designated hitter Carter Jones drove a deep ball into the outfield, bringing Riggins home to tie the game at 1-1.

Outfielder Adam Wormington later singled to load the bases, but two straight outs prevented McLean from taking the lead.

“We shifted our game plan by stringing together a few hits and getting contact,” Coats said.

The Highlanders maintained their defensive momentum in the fifth and quickly worked through Herndon’s lineup. McLean could not capitalize at the plate, however. Riggins reached base with two outs before a called third strike ended the inning.

Herndon regained the lead during the final two innings, scoring the deciding run to make it 2-1 as McLean struggled to execute. Riggins took the mound after a pitching change in the seventh, but the Hornets held on to secure the district championship.

“There was nothing specific we struggled with,” Batdorf said. “It was good baseball, and I think the ball just fell in their direction one too many times.”

The loss did not end McLean’s season. By finishing second in the district, the Highlanders earned a place in the regional tournament.

“For regionals, we want to keep improving as a team, and knowing what our goals are individually helps us get there,” Coats said.