From Coach Tyler Browning: Golden Aces (9-6 overall, 2-1 conference) with a big time road win against conference opponent Casey-Westfield by the score of 7-4. So many good things to be excited about with this performance. We played 14 different players tonight which speaks to the culture of the program, the way we want to play, and everyone has a role every day!
Bats got rolling again and we collected 10 hits, led by Sloss, Deisher, Banks, Bowser collecting multi-hit games. Sloss also hit a HR in the game to break the game open early.
Bowser, Reed, Linson controlled the game on the mound today. Controlling the strike zone and our defense backed them up all day, all the way to the end where Keepes made a diving catch in LF to end the game. Great bounce back game for the Aces and we keep moving forward with another conference game tomorrow. We play Lawrenceville at home at 4:30 pm. Go Aces!
By Damon Sloss
April 24, 2025
Casey, IL—After four straight losses — the team’s longest skid of the season — the Mount Carmel Golden Aces came into Casey on Thursday night in need of a spark.
They got it.
Fueled by timely hits, solid pitching, and a renewed edge, the Aces snapped the streak with a 7–4 road win over the Casey-Westfield Warriors, improving to 9–6 overall (2-1 LIC Conference) and regaining some much-needed momentum heading into the back half of the season.
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Balanced Bats Power Aces’ Offense
Mount Carmel struck first in the opening frame, capitalizing on a Casey error to go up 1–0 — but that wasn’t the only early action.
Freshman River Deisher ripped a triple in the first inning, continuing to show he’s more than comfortable in the varsity spotlight. He finished 2-for-3 on the day, adding a rocket single to left later in the game.
The Warriors answered in the bottom of the second with an RBI single from Chase Whaley, but the tie didn’t last long.
In the top of the third, junior catcher Ryder Sloss — who has found his rhythm at the plate after a slow start to the season — launched a two-run, two-out homer to right field, giving the Aces a 3–1 lead. A passed ball later in the inning pushed the score to 4–1.
Sloss finished 2-for-3 with 2 RBI, continuing to anchor the heart of the lineup with power and confidence.
Junior Brendon Bowser also turned in a 2-for-3 performance, adding key contact from the bottom of the order.
Senior Levi Banks chipped in a double during a 2-for-4 night that included an RBI and a walk. Junior Asher Coston went 1-for-3 with an RBI and drew a walk, while sophomores Santiago Guanipa and Will Reed, along with freshman Jayden Smith, each reached base on free passes.
All told, the Aces racked up 10 hits and 16 total bases — including a double, triple, and homer — while walking four times and striking out just three.
Casey-Westfield collected nine hits of their own and showed plate discipline with three walks and only two strikeouts. Both teams played sound defense, each committing just one error.
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Three Arms, One Plan
Junior Brendon Bowser got the start on the hill and once again showed why he’s been the go-to guy this season. He went three innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits, striking out two and walking one.
Sophomore Will Reed followed with another composed outing, tossing three innings of relief while allowing just one earned run on two hits and two walks.
Then came freshman closer Keegan Linson — and with him, silence.
Linson came in to shut the door, allowing just one hit in a scoreless seventh to earn the save. No walks, no strikeouts, no drama — just cold-blooded execution from the rookie who’s quickly proving he belongs in big moments.
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Coach Browning: ‘We Needed a Game Like This’
Following the win, Head Coach Tyler Browning spoke about the importance of the performance — not just in the standings, but in the dugout and clubhouse:
“We needed a breakout performance like that to remind ourselves of the talent that we have,” Browning said. “Baseball can be a season of peaks and valleys, but the important part is to stay the course and keep putting the work in when times are tough. Even as a coach, I struggle getting too negative with them, but they deserve all the credit for coming out in a big conference game ready to stop the bleeding and keep ourselves alive for a conference championship.”
When asked about the team’s roles and whether fans can expect any lineup surprises, Browning emphasized culture and contribution.
“This is a great question, because one thing all the boys know I take pride in is everyone has a role today, no matter how big or small,” he said. “If you embrace your role to the best of your ability, you will make the team better that day. Today’s game against Casey was a perfect example of that. We dressed 17 players and 14 of them entered the game at some point or another. And the ones that didn’t, still played a major role in our success with their energy and enthusiasm. That’s the culture we are promoting, and our staff is encouraging our players to be the best they can at their role, no matter how big or small.”
With Mount Carmel now sitting at 2–1 in LIC play, the goal is clear — win the conference.
“There’s no secret that [a] conference champ is our priority,” Browning admitted. “We will ultimately do whatever we can to give ourselves the best chance to make that happen. We know where we stand and what we have to do, and we are confident that if we work as a team to take care of our jobs, we will have a good shot at the end.”
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Turning the Corner?
Thursday’s win may go down as more than just a single game in the standings — it could be the moment Mount Carmel stopped the bleeding and found its footing again.
The Aces return home Friday to face the Lawrenceville Indians in another Little Illini Conference matchup — and they’ll do so with the confidence of a team that just remembered what it’s capable of.
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Aces Fans, Get Ready for the Next Big Game!
The Mount Carmel Golden Aces are back in action Friday night, looking to build on their momentum and push for another crucial conference victory. Aces fans, come out to Dee White Field dressed in your maroon and gold Aces gear and show your support as the team takes on the Lawrenceville Indians. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 PM
It’s a great chance to cheer on the Aces as they work to further improve their standings and keep their pursuit of the elusive LIC Championship alive!
