By GameChanger
It came down to the wire on Wednesday at 238 Cougar Drive, as East Hardy Varsity Cougars grabbed the victory in walk-off fashion, 7-6, over Fort Hill Sentinels. The game was tied at six in the bottom of the eighth when Mason Hamilton doubled, scoring one run.
Fort Hill Sentinels got on the board in the first inning after an error scored one run.
Fort Hill Sentinels added one run in the third after East Hardy Varsity Cougars committed an error.
Evan Hamilton homered to center field, which helped East Hardy Varsity Cougars tie the game at three in the bottom of the fifth.
In the top of the sixth, Fort Hill Sentinels broke up the tie when Jake Rice homered to center field, scoring two runs. Then a fly out by Colt Resh followed to extend the lead to 6-3.
East Hardy Varsity Cougars tied the game in the bottom of the seventh thanks to a double by Mason Hamilton, a single by Dayton Dove, and an error.
Gage Dove opened the game for East Hardy Varsity Cougars. The pitcher surrendered seven hits and six runs (three earned) over six innings, striking out one and walking five. Carson Bender stepped on the mound first for Fort Hill Sentinels. The pitcher allowed five hits and three runs (zero earned) over four and two thirds innings, striking out three and walking none. Cole Lantz pitched two innings of shutout ball for East Hardy Varsity Cougars in relief. The pitcher gave up zero hits, striking out one and walking one.
East Hardy Varsity Cougars collected 11 hits in the game. Evan Hamilton went 1-for-3 at the plate and led the team with three runs batted in. Mason Hamilton led East Hardy Varsity Cougars with four hits in four at bats. Patrick Mills and Dayton Dove each collected multiple hits for East Hardy Varsity Cougars. East Hardy Varsity Cougars turned two double plays in the game.
Jake Rice led Fort Hill Sentinels with two runs batted in. The catcher went 3-for-3 on the day. Carson Bender collected two hits for Fort Hill Sentinels in four at bats. Fort Hill Sentinels had a strong eye at the plate, amassing six walks for the game. Fort Hill Sentinels ran wild on the base paths, accumulating five stolen bases for the game. Fort Hill Sentinels turned two double plays in the game.
Next up for East Hardy Varsity Cougars is a game at Pocahontas County Warriors on Friday.
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