McClain's magic runs out
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
GREENFIELD - Being able to gain momentum in the final innings has become a trademark of sorts for the McClain Tigers this season. At times, they were able to gain the late-inning wins with grit and determination that went unmatched, but on Thursday afternoon at Mitchell Park, the "McClain Magic" ran out.
The MHS Tigers allowed six runs in seven innings, falling to the Circleville Tigers 6-2 in the Division II SE District Sectional finals.
"Both teams had trouble hitting the ball (Thursday)," MHS head coach Brandon Streitenberger said. "When we hit it, the ball went straight to Circleville, but credit their (CHS) kids, they made the catches when it was hit to them."
MHS (19-8, 8-4) scored both of its runs in the bottom of the first inning on two hits and one walk.
Logan Wise began the game by getting on the bases at the leadoff spot for the ninth straight game. He has reached the bases to start the game on either extra base hits or via walk.
With one out, Jon Johnson, as Wise stood on second after a steal, batted the ball past the shortstop for a single, moving the Wise to third.
Wise scored on a RBI ground out to second base by Zach Uhl. Dustin Taylor followed with a two-out single, hitting the first pitch into the outfield, scoring Johnson for the two-run advantage.
McClain held Circleville scoreless in the first two innings with Wise, who was the starting pitcher, gaining two first inning strikeouts and three of the six out via ground outs. In the first two innings the Circleville Tigers left two runners on base.
But in the top of the third, McClain struggled and Circleville capitalized.
After Uhl fielded the ball at second and threw to first baseman Ryan Case at first for the inning's first out, the luck of the MHS Tigers flatlined.
Hawkins followed by forcing a walk and stealing second base. Kiser, after seeing 12 pitches, forced a walk. Strawser blasted a single to centerfield, cutting the McClain lead to 2-1, scoring Hawkins.
The score was quickly tied at two with a ground out RBI by Klinebriel, allowing Kiser to score.
CHS broke the tie in the top of the sixth inning.
Klinebriel led off the inning with a walk after taking second on a passed ball and eventually scoring on a fielders choice by Dickey, taking a 3-2 advantage.
The Tigers of Circleville added to its lead in the top of the seventh with a three-run inning. Scoring were Young, Hawkins and Kiser.
"You have to tip your cap to Circleville. Their pitching gave us a lot of trouble and they are a good team," Streitenberger said. "We had a rough inning in the top of the seventh. The Circleville bats came alive, and they are a good team."
In the bottom of the fourth, CHS kept MHS off the bases when Kiser at the shortstop position made a diving stop and threw to first for the inning's final out.
Klinebriel gained the pitching win for Circleville. He went all seven innings on the hill, facing 22 batters. The CHS pitcher allowed three hits, one walk, and two unearned runs.
Wise was charged with the loss. The senior hurler faced 17 batters, allowing one hit and six walks, along with two runs. He struck out three batters. Wise had a six-pitch inning in the top of the fourth.
Also pitching one inning each for MHS were Jacob Dillon and Austin Wilson.
Caleb Cooper gained the third and final hit for MHS in the fifth inning with a single.
The Tigers finish the season at 19-8 overall, 8-4 in the SCOL. MHS tied with Highland County rival Hillsboro for the SCOL championship this season, its first SCOL title since 1990.
"The seniors care about each other and love baseball," Streitenberger said. "They have fun playing the game and we are gonna miss them.
"A lot of the guys worked hard in the off season during the fall and winter on their own or by playing summer and fall baseball. They made a commitment, and it showed. This was a special group."
BOX SCORE
CHS 002 001 3 - 6
MHS 200 000 0 - 2
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