Andrew Grimm ON THE MOUND — Toronto's Michael Henry delivers to a Caldwell batter during Wednesday's tournament game.

Toronto entered this postseason having not lost its first postseason game in more than 30 years as the Red Knights captured 30 straight sectional titles, however, Toronto — the No. 2 seed — came up short against No. 6 seed Caldwell in an Ohio Division VI Eastern District Quarterfinal.

The Redskins plated a pair of runs in the first inning, and that proved to be all the scoring in the game as Caldwell shut out Toronto, 2-0, on an overcast Wednesday evening at the Knights Baseball Complex.

“It was not our day today,” Toronto (20-6) head coach Brian Perkins said. “I am proud of all of the success we have had this season, but today was not our day.”

The boys from the Gem City entered the bottom of the seventh trailing by two runs and needing to make something happen to extend their season. The first two batters were retired before Caden McGrath doubled to right field, however, McGrath was ultimately thrown out at third trying to stretch it into a triple ending the game.

Andrew Grimm MAKING THE PLAY — Toronto shortstop Gunnar Newbold makes a throw to first for an out.

With the win, the Redskins (11-10) advance to the district semifinals at 5 p.m. next Wednesday.

Kyle Starr went the distance to pick up the win for Caldwell. Starr struck out eight while walking two.

The Red Knights used two pitchers in the game. Michael Henry started on the mound, and he took the loss. Henry struck out eight and walked six in his five innings of work. He was replaced with no outs and a runner on first in the top of the sixth inning by Drake Bouscher, who pitched the final two innings. Bouscher struck out four without walking a batter.

Trailing by two runs, the Knights had an opportunity to score in the fifth, but they were unable to do so thanks to an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play. Lucas Wiseman was hit by a pitch to start the inning. After a flyout, McGrath reached on an infield single to give the locals two runners on base. Bouscher was also hit by a pitch loading the bases, however, Henry’s groundball was gobbled up by Izic Cool at shortstop to start the double play.

The Red Knights attempted to rally in the sixth as Heath Thomas singled to start the inning before being replaced on the bases by pinch runner Braxton Humphrey. After a strikeout, Humphrey stole second, however, he was stranded there thanks to a flyout and a strikeout.

Andrew Grimm LOOKING TO MOVE UP — Toronto's Chase Heckathorn gets a lead from second base looking to advance.

“We had our opportunities,” Perkins said. “Give Caldwell credit. They made the plays when they needed to. We just couldn’t get that timely hit. Our pitchers threw well. They got the big hit in the first inning, and it held up.”

With one out in the first, Starr walked before moving to second on a single by Cool. Both runners advanced a base thanks to a wild pitch. Then with two outs, Lucas Baker singled to left scoring both runners giving the visitors from Noble County a 2-0 lead. Henry was able to record a strikeout to get out of the inning.

The visitors had an opportunity to increase their advantage in the fourth as they loaded the bases with two outs, however, Henry induced a groundball by Cool to escape the inning unscathed.

Cool and Baker each collected two singles in the game, while Silas Cain singled once.

Tanner Newbold and Bouscher each tallied a base hit for Toronto.

The game was the final one for Toronto’s six seniors — Chase Heckathorn, Henry, McGrath, Wiseman, Thomas and Newbold.

“These seniors have meant a ton to the program,” Perkins said. “They did a great job. They have done a lot the last four years.”

Caldwell 2, Toronto 0

Caldwell 200 000 0 – 2 5 0

Toronto 000 000 0 – 0 5 0

CALDWELL (11-10): Starr WP (8K, 2BB) and Clark. Cool 2S; Baker 2S, 2RBI; Cain S.

TORONTO (20-6): Henry LP (5IP, 8K, 6BB), Bouscher (2IP, 4K, 0BB) and McGrath. McGrath S, D; Bouscher S; Thomas S; T. Newbold S.