McClain baseball falls to Miami Trace in walk-off sectional final loss
McClain's Andrew Potts is pictured during the Tigers' sectional final game at Miami Trace Monday. (HCP Photos/Stephen Forsha)
EBER — The McClain Tigers trailed for most of their Division II SE District Sectional Final game Monday night, but eventually took the lead in the top of the seventh inning against the host Miami Trace Panthers.
That said, McClain's rally fell just short as the Panthers scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to walk off against the Tigers by a 4-3 score in the battle of the two Frontier Athletic Conference counterparts.
The Panthers struck first with two runs in the first inning, starting with Gaige Stuckey taking first base on a walk. Then came Cooper Enochs reaching first on an infield error, and Stuckey scored on a double to centerfield by Dillon Hyer for the early 1-0 lead.
The second run of the game scored when Enochs took home on a wild pitch for a 2-0 score.
That two-run lead stood until the top of the sixth where McClain put a run on their side when Andrew Potts initially singled over the Miami Trace third baseman, and he eventually scored on a one-out single hit to left field by Tanner Dalton.
McClain took a one-run lead with two runs crossing the plate in the top of the seventh for a 3-2 score as Seth Weller led off the inning with an infield single hit toward the shortstop. Hice followed with a sacrifice bunt, moving Weller to second base. Weller raced to third on a passed ball and eventually scored off a sacrifice fly to right field hit by Kaden Penwell with one out.
Next, Jayden Allison hit a single to right field, and pinch runner Eli Douglas eventually scored on a bases-loaded walk forced by Dalton, putting the Tigers ahead, 3-2.
Miami Trace won the game in the bottom of the seventh with Cam Morton leading off with a single to centerfield. Pinch runner Ben Mathews entered the game, and he scored on a single hit by Stuckey and raced around the bases on an error in the outfield, tying the score at 3-3.
The game ended with a sacrifice fly hit to right field, scoring Stuckey, sealing the win for Miami Trace.
Stuckey gained the win for Miami Trace, pitching one inning and allowing one run on two hits and two walks, finishing with one strikeout.
Armstrong had the no-decision for the Panthers, allowing two earned runs on five hits and three walks, all while totaling six strikeouts.
Hice had the loss for McClain, pitching 6.1 innings, allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks. He finished with three strikeouts.
McClain ends the season at 10-14-1 overall, while Miami Trace improves to 18-6.
BOX SCORE
MHS 000 001 2 — 3 7 5
MTHS 200 0002 — 4 4 2
