PORTSMOUTH — Baseball has a long season. Whether it is high school, college, or the pro game, the individual contests tend to get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes, though, you play in a game that has a bit more meaning. A game that propels your team to become better just by taking part in it.
That is exactly what happened for the Clay Panthers Thursday night, as they pulled out a 3-2 victory over the Wellston Rockets.
“This was the biggest win of the year for us,” said Panther’s Head Coach Marc Cottle. “I really think this will help our team finish the season strong and get ready for the tournament.”
Up by one run, the Panthers allowed an unearned run in the top of the sixth to tie the game at 2-2. Brayden Queen had pitched a great game, though, allowing only three hits and three walks with no earned runs given.
“He pitched like a senor tonight even though he is only a freshman,” said Cottle. “I couldn’t ask for more out of him.”
With the game tied in the bottom of the sixth, Devin Holcomb reached base on a bunt for the Panthers. He managed to steal second and then reached third on a ground out from Cole Gilliland. Then, the team’s only senior, Wyatt Large, hit a line drive up the middle that scored the game winning run for Clay. Queen would seal the deal in the seventh.
“Wyatt is our only senior and he came through big for us with runners on base,” said Cottle. “He is seeing the ball really well right now.”
Large had 2 RBIs, and Riffe had one in the win. Clay will travel to Symmes Valley Monday to kick off their last SOC I conference series of the year. Game times is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
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