Junior left-hander Cadyn Kummer started on the mound for Evergreen Park on Saturday, aiming for the team’s first regional championship since 2017. Beyond the championship, there were family bragging rights at play. Cadyn’s opponent, starting pitcher for Oak Forest, was his cousin, Jake Kummer.
“We were texting and Jake said, ‘I’m pitching,’” Cadyn shared. “I replied, ‘So am I.’ It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Both showed strong performances, but Cadyn and the Mustangs secured the victory.
Cadyn Kummer pitched 4 1/3 strong innings, allowing two earned runs. Evergreen Park rallied late to beat Oak Forest 6-3 in the Class 3A Oak Forest Regional championship game. Noah Munoz clinched the win in relief, throwing 2 2/3 innings without allowing a hit while striking out three. Munoz also went 3-for-4 hitting, delivering the go-ahead two-run double in the sixth inning for the Mustangs (24-13).
Evergreen Park’s Cadyn Kummer (10) delivers a pitch in the Class 3A Oak Forest Regional championship game on May 30, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Jake Bishop hit 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Christian Jacobo scored twice, and Yarim Garcia finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Fourth-seeded Evergreen Park advanced to face top-seeded St. Rita (25-12) in a Brooks Sectional semifinal. This marked the fourth consecutive year that the Mustangs and Oak Forest met in a regional final, with Oak Forest winning the previous three.
“It means so much for the team, program, and the whole village,” Munoz said. “Seeing the people cheering us on is huge.”
Oak Forest’s Jake Kummer (12) pitches against Evergreen Park during the championship game. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Jake Kummer allowed four earned runs over 5 2/3 innings with three strikeouts for Oak Forest (20-17). Jeff Wessel and Ryan Kruswicki both contributed on offense.
Cadyn Kummer managed to allow only one run in the first inning, despite challenges. He continued to pitch effectively, highlighting his ability to stay composed. “I’ve been struggling with composure this season,” Cadyn admitted. “This game was better. I ensured I kept my cool.”
Evergreen Park coach Andrew Massey emphasized Cadyn’s strengths. “Cadyn has a good arm. As long as he stays mentally focused, he’s tough to hit.”
With the Mustangs trailing 3-2, a four-run rally in the sixth turned the game around. Garcia tied the game, leading to Jake Kummer’s exit, and Munoz hit a two-run double.
“A new pitcher came in, and I got a fastball,” Munoz explained. “It was a surreal moment.”
Evergreen Park’s Cadyn Kummer catches a fly ball for the final out against Oak Forest. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Cadyn expressed satisfaction with overcoming past defeats. “Losing to Oak Forest was tough, but we did it for past teams.”
His older brother, Tyler, had been part of previous efforts. “It’s a big achievement,” Cadyn said. “My brother couldn’t do this, so it’s the first time for the family.”
Reflecting on beating his cousin, Cadyn added, “We’ll be talking about that at family events.”
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