Junior left-hander Cadyn Kummer played a crucial role on Saturday, pitching for Evergreen Park in their pursuit of a regional championship for the first time since 2017. Adding a layer of family competition, Cadyn’s opponent on the mound was his cousin, Jake Kummer, starting for Oak Forest.
“We were texting on Friday, and Jake said, ‘I’m pitching,’” Cadyn shared. “I replied, ‘So am I.’ I thought, ‘This is going to be great.’ It was a unique experience.”
Both cousins put up impressive performances, but Cadyn and Evergreen Park prevailed. Cadyn pitched 4 1/3 solid innings, allowing two earned runs, and Evergreen Park rallied for a 6-3 victory in the Class 3A Oak Forest Regional championship game. Noah Munoz secured the win in relief, contributing 2 2/3 scoreless and hitless innings with three strikeouts. Munoz also went 3-for-4 and hit a decisive two-run double in the sixth inning for the Mustangs, who now boast a 24-13 record.
Jake Bishop went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Christian Jacobo scored twice, and Yarim Garcia went 2-for-4 with an RBI. As a fourth-seeded team, Evergreen Park advanced to face the top-seeded St. Rita, who defeated Bremen 13-1 in another game. Their matchup is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday in a Brooks Sectional semifinal.
This win marks the first time in four years that Evergreen Park has defeated Oak Forest in a regional final, after losing the previous three meetings. Noah Munoz expressed the significance of this victory: “It means a lot for the team, the program, and the whole village. Seeing the crowd support us and celebrate is huge for Evergreen Park.”
Jake Kummer allowed four earned runs over 5 2/3 innings with three strikeouts for Oak Forest, who ended the season with a 20-17 record. Jeff Wessel added a single and an RBI, while Ryan Kruswicki contributed with a single and a run.
Cadyn Kummer managed to escape the first inning allowing just one run despite two walks, a hit, and an error. He sustained his composure throughout the game. “I’ve struggled with staying composed, being a good teammate,” Cadyn admitted. “But this game was better. I was still mad at times but made sure it didn’t affect my teammates.”
Coach Andrew Massey recognized the importance of Cadyn’s mental focus. “Cadyn has a good arm. As long as he stays present and focused, he’s tough to beat,” Massey noted.
Despite trailing 3-2, Evergreen Park launched a four-run rally in the sixth inning. After Garcia’s RBI single tied the game, Munoz hit a two-run double. “We got the scouting report, and I capitalized on a fastball,” Munoz recalled. “It was a memorable moment.”
For the team, this victory was also redemption. “After losing to Oak Forest the past few years, we achieved what past teams hadn’t,” said Cadyn Kummer. “My brother Tyler was part of those teams, so winning was a significant accomplishment for my family.”
Reflecting on outpitching his cousin, Cadyn added, “This will definitely be talked about at family events.”