Lions end season in 9 innings
Lead Summary
By
The Highland County Press-
The season of the Fairfield Lions baseball team ended Thursday night as they were sent home after a nine-inning battle, falling to the Green Bobcats 3-2 in the Division IV SE District Sectional final.
Green scored two runs in the second and on in the ninth. As for the Lions they scored one run in the fourth nod tied the game in the top of the seventh.
The Bobcats began the game with a two-run second as Tyler Hughes singled and stole second base. Colt Brammer was safe on an error, then stole second base.
Billy Moore walked and Jason Meenach was safe on an error, allowing Hughes to score a run.
TJ McCloud walked with the bases loaded to score Brammer.
FHS (11-13, 7-6) cut the lead in half with one run in the fourth inning.
With two outs, Nathaniel Miller doubled, followed with a single by Tyler Campbell. Dakota Hargrave blasted a RBI single to score Miller.
Things got interesting in the top of the seventh as the Lions had one last late-inning heroic left in its season.
After recording its first out, Cody Tolle singled to give the Lions a base runner. Tolle was pinch ran with Nathan Hawkins. Kyle Carson was safe on an error, moving Hawkins to third. Michael Carson hit into a fielders choice, allowing Hawkins to tie the game at two.
The game was decided in the bottom of the ninth when Matt Ratcliff, Caleb Lewis and Hughes loaded the bases .Keith Stepp hit a sacrifice fly to deep left field to score Ratcliff. Ratcliff beat out a close throw to home by Michael Carson for the game-winning run.
Miller was charged with the complete game loss. While pitching 8 2-3 innings, he allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits and six walks. He finished with eight strikeouts.
Lewis gained the win for the Green Bobcats. He allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits and two walks in 8 2-3 innings. He finished with eight strikeouts. McCloud was credited with the save. McCloud pitched 1-3 of an inning allowing no hits or runs, along with one walk.
Seniors playing their final game for the Lions were Bobby Wilson and Michael Carson.
Miller and Tolle each had two hits for FHS. Ratcliff and Lewis collected two hits apiece.
FHS finishes with an overall record of 11-13, with a 7-6 Southern Hills League mark.
BOX SCORE
FHS 000 100 100 - 2 7 5
GHS 020 000 001 - 3 6 3
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