Box Score Walk-off From Lopez Wins
MARYVILLE – For Maryville 11 has become a lucky number.
The Scots tallied 11 runs in every game of the DePauw series, with the final one coming in a thrilling 11-10 win on Sunday afternoon.
The scoring for Maryville lagged compared to the Tigers in the first six innings of action. DePauw scored seven runs total between a four-run showing in the fourth and a three-run mark in the sixth.
"We put ourselves in a hole, but this team just competes," said Scots' head coach Clint Helton.
A potential home run was wiped off the board for Maryville in the second due to the Scots' baserunner advancing past the runner in front of him. The play did end up netting a positive for the home team, with Jimmy Meredith sending Christian Carlton home on a single to center field.
In both the fourth and sixth innings Maryville scored one run. Carlton notched his second run on a Max Bowers sacrifice fly in the fourth and Zac Graham crossed home in the sixth to make the score 7-3.
In the top of the seventh, it looked even more grim for the Scots. A wild pitch led to two Tigers scoring, which moved the deficit in runs to six.
The luck changed for the home squad in the bottom of the frame in a big way. Nelson Smith hit a two RBI double to inject some life into the Maryville offense. Two Scot batters were walked home in the seventh while one scored on a wild pitch and another came home on a Bowers' line out.
"We made some errors that they took advantage of," said Helton. "They made some errors that kept putting our baserunners on. Towards the end, we had more to take advantage of."
Making it Happen
DePauw hit a deep homer to left center in the top of the eighth and held the Maryville hitters to zero hits in the frame over three batters.
Damian Lusby did his job as the pitcher for the Scots in the ninth. He struck out two of the three batters and allowed no runs or hits in the pivotal spot.
Meredith led off for Maryville in the ninth and reached first by an error on the shortstop. Bowers, who had a game-high three RBI, was at the plate next and hit a single to place runners at first and second. After a batter popped out, Peyton Milam was walked. Another pop up gave the Scots two outs with the bases loaded. Gabe Lopez played hero and hit a ball over the first baseman's extended hand on the second pitch he saw to bring the two winning runs home.
Meredith went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Two more Maryville batters had two RBI each. The Scots had eight hits as a team.
Maryville's offense has been on fire recently, with the team tallying four-straight double-digit run games. Coach Helton said it is all part of the team's preparation.
"Our offensive success is because of the player's plan and approach. We have good at bats and take pitchers into deep counts. We also focus on having quality at bats even when we get out. When we have those good at bats it builds our confidence."
On the mound, Nic Mirabella got the start and hurled for the Scots for four innings. He struck out five batters. Three other pitchers spent time putting in work for Maryville. Lusby closed out the final two innings of the game and earned the win.
"We knew it was going to be a scoring day," Helton said. "We needed to outlast their bullpen and get in our guys to finish at the end. That's what we did."
The win for the Scots makes them a perfect 10-0 at home. The team now sits at 14-7 overall and 1-2 in USA South action.
Maryville welcomes Bob Jones for a single game on Tuesday before resuming league play against Huntingdon over the weekend. The Hawks will be in town for a three-game series.
"We are playing a good team next at home," said Helton. "If we stick to the process and take care of the baseball the positive outcomes will come no matter who we play."
