Huge late inning comeback gets Knights a tie with Spikes

Trouble finding the strike zone got the Knights in another big hole in game 2 of a double header with the East Marietta Spikes on Saturday. But the boys never gave up and battled back from a 12-5 deficit to earn a 12-12 tie at Larry Bell Park.

Coach Rob gently encourages the Knights to remember
to always do their best.  

Trailing by 7 in the 4th, the Knights started the comeback with back to back base hits by Jackson Tysinger and Gil Hastings who each went 3 for 3 with a walk in the game. Austin Schubert and Austin Hansell then followed with RBI singles to cut the lead to 12-7. The Spikes threatened again in the bottom of the inning with runners at 2nd and 3rd and only one out. Jackson got a huge strikeout of the Spikes leadoff hitter and then coaxed a grounder to 2B that Garrett easily handled to end the threat.

The score remained the same with 2 outs in the final inning with Garrett Wells on 1st and Hunter Williamson on 2nd. Jackson singled to LCF to score Hunter and push Garrett to 3B. After Gil walked, Mason Doyle drilled a double into left center to bring home Jackson and suddenly it was 12-10 with the tying runner in scoring position. The large crowd of Knights' faithful was going wild. Schubie ripped a single to RF plating Gil and Mason and the score was knotted at 12-12.

The home Spikes went to their final at bat needing just a run for the win. But Jackson remained sharp on the mound and needed just 4 pitches to shut the door on the Spikes. He drew another routine grounder to Garrett at 2B for the first out and a grounder to Presley at 1B for an unassisted out number 2. The final out came on the defensive play of the game. With 2 down, Jackson delivered a low fast ball that the Spikes #5 hitter roped into RF. Schubie charged from his RF position and scooped the ball on two hops. Schubie never hesitated as his teammates excitedly yelled "ONE! ONE! ONE!" and threw a long laser to a heads up Presley who covered 1B and took the throw with a big stretch just ahead of the Spikes hitter for an exciting final out of the game.

Big Game Hunter struck out 1 in 2 innings and scored twice.

Although the boys were disappointed not to get to go to extras to try for the win, they were all smiles after the 12-12 tie, the 7 run comeback and the great defense. Pitching control was still a problem as the Knights walked 9 Spikes allowing them to score their 12 runs on 7 hits. The defense was great once again as the Knights only committed 1 error in the second game and Jackson's two shut out innings on the mound were outstanding. The offense was also strong as the team exploded for 14 hits. In addition to their 3 hits, Jackson and Gil each scored 3 times, Hunter and Mason each scored twice and Schubie delivered 4 RBI's.

The Knights head to Carrollton next week for their first tournament in the USSSA Champs Wear the Rings NIT. The game schedule will be announced later this week.