Cousins Compete in Regional Championship Facing Off on the Mound

Junior left-hander Cadyn Kummer took the mound on Saturday, aiming to help Evergreen Park secure its first regional championship since 2017. Adding to the stakes, his cousin, Jake Kummer, was the opposing pitcher for Oak Forest. Cadyn shared, “We were texting on Friday and Jake said he was pitching. I replied, ‘So am I.’ It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Both pitchers delivered impressive performances, but Cadyn and Evergreen Park emerged victorious. Cadyn pitched 4 1/3 strong innings, conceding two earned runs. Evergreen Park rallied late, clinching a 6-3 win in the Class 3A Oak Forest Regional championship game. Noah Munoz earned the victory in relief, pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out three, and going 3-for-4 at the plate. He delivered the crucial two-run double in the sixth inning for the Mustangs, improving their record to 24-13.

Evergreen Park’s next opponent is top-seeded St. Rita, who won 13-1 against Bremen. This marks the fourth consecutive year Evergreen Park and Oak Forest have met in a regional final, with the Bengals winning the previous three encounters.

“It means a lot for the team, the program, and the whole community,” Munoz expressed. “The support from everyone is incredible.”

Jake Kummer, pitching for fifth-seeded Oak Forest, allowed four earned runs over 5 2/3 innings and struck out three. Jeff Wessel contributed with a single and an RBI, while Ryan Kruswicki added a single and a run.

Despite early struggles, Cadyn Kummer managed to escape with minimal damage in the first inning. He emphasized maintaining composure, which had been a challenge earlier in the season. “This game, I kept my cool,” he said. Evergreen Park coach Andrew Massey highlighted, “Cadyn has a good arm. Staying focused and positive is key for him.”

Trailing 3-2, the Mustangs mounted a four-run rally in the sixth. Garcia’s RBI single tied the game, and Munoz’s two-run double gave them the lead. “Coach Massey provided the scouting report; I got a fastball and took advantage,” Munoz noted.

For Evergreen Park, the victory signified redemption. “Losing to Oak Forest the last couple of years was tough,” Cadyn Kummer remarked. “We achieved what previous teams couldn’t.” Cadyn’s older brother, Tyler, had been part of those past defeats. “It’s a big accomplishment. My brother didn’t get to do this, and it feels amazing.”

Discussing the family rivalry, Cadyn added, “Beating my cousin will definitely be a hot topic at family gatherings.”