Evergreen Park Secures Regional Championship with Victory Over Oak Forest

Junior left-hander Cadyn Kummer took the mound on Saturday with hopes of leading Evergreen Park to their first regional championship since 2017. In addition to the championship, family pride was at stake as he faced his cousin, Jake Kummer, the starting pitcher for Oak Forest.

“We were texting on Friday,” Cadyn shared, “Jake said, ‘I’m pitching.’ I replied, ‘So am I.’ It felt surreal.”

Both cousins delivered strong performances. Cadyn pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs, and Evergreen Park rallied to win 6-3 in the Class 3A Oak Forest Regional championship game.

Noah Munoz earned the win as a reliever, pitching 2 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings with three strikeouts. He also went 3-for-4 at the plate, delivering a two-run double in the sixth inning that gave the Mustangs (24-13) the lead.

Jake Bishop contributed with a 3-for-4 performance and two RBIs. Christian Jacobo scored twice, and Yarim Garcia went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Fourth-seeded Evergreen Park advanced to face top-seeded St. Rita (25-12) in a Brooks Sectional semifinal after St. Rita’s 13-1 win over Bremen.

“It means so much for this team, this program, and the whole village,” Munoz said. “The support from the community cheering us on makes this victory huge for Evergreen Park.”

Oak Forest’s Jake Kummer pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs and striking out three. Jeff Wessel and Ryan Kruswicki contributed with key hits and runs for fifth-seeded Oak Forest (20-17).

Cadyn Kummer navigated through early challenges, allowing only one run despite two walks, a hit, and an error in the first inning. He overcame previous struggles with composure and teamwork.

“I’ve struggled with staying composed and being a good teammate,” Cadyn admitted. “This game was better. I got upset but didn’t let it affect my teammates and kept my cool on the mound.”

Evergreen Park’s coach, Andrew Massey, emphasized the importance of Cadyn’s mental focus. “Cadyn has great talent,” Massey noted. “When he stays focused and positive, he’s a difficult opponent.”

The Mustangs were behind 3-2 before a crucial four-run rally in the sixth inning. Garcia’s RBI single tied the game, and Munoz’s double pushed Evergreen Park forward.

“When they brought in a new pitcher, we had a scouting report,” Munoz said. “I took the first-pitch fastball and capitalized. It was a memorable moment.”

Securing this win was redemption for the Mustangs. “Losing to Oak Forest in past years was tough,” Cadyn Kummer stated. “Achieving this victory, especially for those teams that lost before us, is significant.”

Cadyn’s brother, Tyler, also had faced challenges against Oak Forest. “It’s the biggest accomplishment,” Cadyn said. “My brother never experienced this. Being the first in the family to achieve this is fulfilling.”

Regarding the family competition, Cadyn added, “We’ll definitely discuss this during family events.”