HiToms Halt Comeback
After a three inning top of the ninth for the Mustangs the HiToms got a crucial strikeout to win, 7-6
FINCH FIELD, NC, – With seven wins out of their last ten, the HiToms (9-9) ousted a top of the ninth comeback effort to beat the Martinsville Mustangs (8-10), 7-6.
The HiToms stated their scoring with a three run bottom of the third. Nick Lopez (Creighton) hit a solo home run with one out down to give the first lead of the night to the Tommies. Jake Maziar (Chattahoochee Valley CC) and Peter Johnson (Presbyterian) both plated a run off a Daulton Mosbarger (Akron University) double into center field to take the lead to three.
However, Dorian Hairston (Kentucky) teed off for a three run home run in the top of the fourth to tie the ball game at three a piece.
High Point – Thomasville responded in similar fashion to reclaim their lead after Chandler Hall (Louisiana Tech) hit a solo home run into right center. Kody Ruedisili (Wofford) worked a walk to set up the next run where he advanced to second on a Lopez ground out. Jake Maziar then singled to right, which brought home Ruedisili for run number five.
It was then in the bottom of the seventh that the HiToms continued to build on their 5-3 lead. Daniel Millwee (Arizona) and Johnson both plated a run with the help of a Drew Ellis (Louisville) double.
For HiToms fans the top of the ninth was a nail bitter as they watched the Mustangs put three runs on the board and rob a four run lead. However, the HiToms were unaccommodating. With the tying run on third, a 3-2 count, and two outs Zachary Beaver (Akron University) threw a perfect slider for out number three to take the HiToms back to .500.
After 3.2 innings, Beaver allowed three runs on four hits striking out five to earn his first save of the season. Tyler Troutt (Middle Tennessee) got the win after going 5.1 innings allowing three runs off six hits striking out four.
The HiToms are back at home again tomorrow against the Forest City Owls at 7:00 p.m. for Shuler Meats Dollar Night!