(4) Forbush survives (20) Pine Lake Prep with walk-off victory
Forbush’s life flashed before its eyes.
The Falcons’ memorable 24-2 season was facing its final three outs at the hands of 20-seed Pine Lake Prep. Five minutes later, Riley Campbell was swarmed by a sea two dozen teammates after walking off 3-2 winners.
A chaotic series of events allowed the 4-seed to score twice in the bottom of the seventh inning to overcome a 2-1 deficit.
Dylan McClamrock drew a four-pitch walk to start the Falcon half of the seventh. A sacrifice bunt moved him into scoring position, and an intentional walk of Gavin Maines put the winning run on base.
Colton Moxley rolled the dice with a one out bunt to move the runners over. After initially being ruled out, the umpires came together and reversed the call to load the bases for Forbush.
Campbell’s walk-off did not come without drama. The designated hitter showed bunt with one strike, and McClamrock broke towards the plate. Attempting to retreat back to the third base bag, McClamrock slipped on the turf and seemed dead in the water. Pine Lake Prep’s throw the third sailed into the left field allowing the tying run to cross with ease.
The next pitch rocketed off of the fence in right to score Maines from second and win the game 3-2.
In the bottom of the third, Campbell scored Maines on a sacrifice to break the ice and give Forbush an early one run advantage.
Typically, a 1-0 lead is all that the southpaw needs. Entering the night, Maines had yet to allow an earned run on the season.
The Western Carolina recruit’s untouched ERA took a hit in the top of the fifth. A bases loaded infield single off the bat of Carter Helein tied the score at 1-1. An inning later, Trey Schubert scampered home on a wild pitch to give the Pride their first lead of the night.
Maines went 6.2 IP with four hits, five walks, and seven strikeouts. Only one of his two runs allowed was earned.
Opposite of him on the mound was fellow lefty Jeter Bynum who tossed a gem for Pine Lake Prep. Bynum was charged with two runs in the contest but he struck out seven in six innings of work while scattering four hits.
Thomas Conrad earned the win after getting the final out of the seventh inning. Aiden Kaliszewski was the charged with the loss.
Forbush welcomes in North Stanly for the third round of the playoffs. The Comets picked up a 4-1 second round win over Community School of Davidson.
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Source: highschoolot.com