Freshman Martin Shines, Cougars Battle to the End in One-Run Loss Varsity vs Valparaiso High School (4 - 5) Loss Greenfield-Central came up just short in a hard-fought 5-4 loss to Valparaiso in Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader at Kokomo Championship Park, but the highlight of the afternoon was freshman Brady Martin's varsity debut on the mound. Martin impressed in his first appearance, tossing 5.0 strong innings while allowing just two earned runs on two hits and striking out four. He kept the Vikings’ offense in check and gave the Cougars every chance to win. After falling behind 2-0 early, Greenfield-Central responded in the third with a four-run frame. Brady Johnson stayed hot, going 2-for-3 with a double, walk, RBI, and run scored. Hayden Kidd and Ethan Ortwein also drove in runs, while Jacob Welch provided a spark with a hit, a walk, two runs scored, and two stolen bases. Valparaiso plated the game-winning run in the top of the seventh. Carson Richardson pitched the final two innings, allowing three runs (one earned) while striking out two. Despite the loss, the Cougars played with energy and grit, showing major growth on both sides of the ball—especially from their underclassmen.