|
In their final at-bat, the Panther’s Cory Alcon doubled in Travis Vogler for the winning run in a 13-12 battle for the ages.
“I was just looking for a fastball to hit a line drive on,” Alcon said. “I didn’t think it would go to the fence.”
Ledford jumped in front with a three-run opening inning, thanks to a two-run single from Ryan Fitzgerald. West responded with two runs in the second and third innings, grabbing a 4-3 lead as the Panthers elected to pull starter Ricky Vaughn after 48 pitches in favor of Brian Connolly, who failed to put out a fire, giving up RBI singles to Chris Ivey and Brandon Smith.
“This was one of those games that will help both teams come playoff time,” said LHS coach Chris Adams. “We showed a lot of pride in our program, battling back in a game that didn’t mean all that much. We stuck with our plan and were able to see all our guys throw. I’m just real excited to get this win. The kids deserve it.”
LHS managed to tie the score at four in the bottom of the third, but it wouldn’t last long as the Green Dragon’s Alex Grubb doubled the Panthers up with a grand slam off Fitzgerald in the fourth. Ledford slowly chipped away, scoring three in the fourth before erupting for a five-spot in the fifth to snatch a 12-8 lead.Volger’s two-run single gave the Panthers their four-run advantage, but in this game, no lead was safe.
Trailing by just two after scoring a pair of wild pitches from Ledford’s fourth pitcher, Cory Alcon, WDHS played long ball again. Pinch-hitter Jake Everhart launched a two-run, game-tying home run to left that had those in attendance wondering if the contest would ever end. Ledford loaded the bases in the sixth but Sam Berrier popped out, leaving the sacks full and the Panthers dead-locked.
“I felt I made all my pitches that inning,” Alcon said. “I just left that pitch up and he hit it real hard.”
Alcon did his job in the seventh, retiring the side in order, putting the Panthers in position to win the game.
Staff Writer Eliot Duke can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 233, or at eliotduke@hotmail.com.