BEREA, Ky. – Maryville battled all the way back from an early 9-2 deficit to tie it up against Berea in the ninth. The Scots would eventually fall in the bottom half of the inning on a walk-off balk, giving the Mountaineers a 10-9 victory.
Hunter Thaxton was the hero for Maryville in the ninth inning. With two outs,
Zac Graham hit a sharp single to keep Maryville alive.
Jacob Johnston then doubled to put runners on second and third for the Scots with Thaxton coming up to the plate. The Greenbrier product came through with a bases-clearing double to tie the game at nine apiece.
While Maryville scored first with a run in the opening frame, Berea quickly hit their stride and took a commanding lead early, scoring a combined nine runs across the second and third innings.
MC began their comeback in the sixth inning, getting one run back on an RBI single from Graham, his team-high 36th RBI of the season.
The Scots exploded in the eighth, picking up four runs to tighten the score at 9-7 heading into the ninth inning. Maryville picked up the first two runs of the inning without a hit, as the Mountaineers loaded the bases with three straight hit by pitches. Berea picked up the first out of the inning, but the very next batter, Thaxton wore a pitch inside, scoring the run and becoming the fourth hit batter of the inning.
Jimmy Meredith then drew a walk which allowed another runner to score.
Will Hubbell would plate the next two runs with an RBI single. Hubbell continues to swing a hot bat for the Scots, leading the squad with three hits and three RBIs on the day.
Maryville fought hard but was unable to complete the comeback. The Scots are now 14-10 on the season and 0-7 in the CCS.
Nic Mirabella took the loss for the Scots but put together a quality appearance in relief. The righty pitched a season-high 5 1/3 innings, allowing just two earned runs on five hits while striking out three batters.
Maryville still has a chance to take the series as they take on the Mountaineers in a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
