7th-inning rally sends Mustangs to sectional finals

DODSONVILLE — The Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs held the lead, but lost it late, only to see them come back and grind out one final run in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 4-3 Division III SE District Sectional Semifinal win.

The win sends the Mustangs to a sectional final game against Waverly on Saturday, May 16 at Waverly. The Tigers defeated West Union, 3-1 in their semifinal game.

"This was the first time all year where we had the situation pop up in the seventh inning where we were the home team and got the walk-off win," LC head coach Garyn Waits said. "It feels good to get the win."

As for LC, they scored three of their four runs in the third inning, making it a 3-1 score (Northwest scored their first run in the top of the first). That inning began with a lead-off single from Forrest Elam, followed by Wes Smith drawing a walk. Dakota Baker followed with a base hit.

Christian Inman batted in Elam and Smith on a fielder's choice, and with two outs, Cory Snider knocked in Inman.

The Mohawks scored two runs to tie the game in the top of the sixth off two hits, a walk and an error with two outs in the inning.

LC wasn't finished yet, because in the bottom of the seventh, Smith began the inning with a single and later stole second base. Following two outs, Pierson singled in Smith for the game-winning run, avenging his sixth inning as a pitcher as he was on the mound when the Mohawks tied the game.

"To have Devin get the hit was huge," Waits said. "He was a little worked up about coming off the mound, but it ended well for him."

Pierson led the Mustangs at the plate with a 2-for-3 game with one RBI. In all, LC totaled seven hits.

The pitching of the Mustangs saw Pierson have a no-decision, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on five hits and four walks. He struck out two batters on 92 pitches.

In relief of Pierson was Morgan Ryan, who pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing no runs on one walk. He threw 14 pitches. The win went to Snider, as he allowed no runs in two-thirds of an inning. Snider threw just five pitches in the winning effort.

Waits ended by speaking about how he was glad to see his team win in the clutch moment.

"We've seen the part when we get down, but we hadn't seen when we get up and make the comeback," Waits said. "Seeing the dugout get energetic at the end was great to see also. They are a laid-back group, so that was fun to watch."