Eagles battle for extra-inning win at Riverton Parke 15-10

Grady McHugh

MONTEZUMA -- For baseball purists, Friday night's high school game at Riverton Parke was a nightmare. But for the South Putnam Eagles and their traveling band of fans, the 15-10, nine-inning victory over the host Panthers was dramatic and fun.

The numbers are horrendous. South Putnam and Riverton Parke combined for 25 runs, 24 hits, 12 errors, 15 strikeouts, 14 base on balls and four batters hit by pitch.

But the only numbers that really counted were on the scoreboard at any moment. There were no routine plays in this game. Every pitch, every ball put into play was dramatic and set the stage for the celebration.

"We were in a position where we are down four runs. We got to score four runs or more, or the game is over and we came through. The kids came through. I'm really proud of their effort," South Putnam coach Zach Love said.

Riverton Parke (1-12) scored four runs in the sixth inning on a two-run singles by Logan Blacketer, a sacrifice fly by Kaleb Huxford and two South Putnam errors to take a10-6 into the seventh inning.

South Putnam countered with four runs in the top of the seventh inning, sending 10 batters to the plate. The Eagles tied the game 10-10 on a double by freshman Grady McHugh, singles by junior Tyler Long and senior Justin Bumgardner, a batter hit by pitch, one walk and two Riverton Parke errors.

In the bottom of the seventh, Riverton Parke had the go-ahead run on second base, but he was thrown out trying to steal third. South Putnam had bases loaded with two out in the eighth, but a strike out ended the threat.

"That's what makes it fun," Long said.

Finally in the top of the ninth, South Putnam broke away with five runs. Jake Carmichael and Nick Scott led off with singles. Carmichael scored on a balk by the Riverton Parke pitcher and Scott moved to second. Waters singled to left but Scott was held at third base. McHugh singled to bring in Scott and Waters came on a fielder's choice.

In a wild series of ground balls and throws, McHugh dived head-first under the sweeping tag attempt at home plate to put the Eagles up 14-10.

Bumgardner, who reached base on a walk, eventually scored the final run on a passed ball.

"There are a lot of kids who got hits tonight. A lot of guys who needed to get some came through. It was a great team win," Love said.

South Putnam got hits from seven of the nine positions in the batting order and runs from eight positions.

Long led South Putnam's 16-hit attack with a home run, double and single. Scott and Joe Waters each had three hits and McHugh had a single and double. Senior Aaron Parker and Carmichael each had two singles and Bumgardner drove in two runs with his one hit of the night.

"It's a really good win." Long said. "The three games we have won, we have contagiously hit the ball. That's all we need to do, we need to hit."

Scott was the winning pitcher for South Putnam in relief of Long, the starter.

South Putnam now takes a 3-8 record into Monday's home game with Tri-West.

"You got to start winning again. Winning cures a lot of things. We've been struggling a little bit but, we got the sticks going today and really turned the tide today." Love said.

At Riverton Parke
South Putnam..........103 011 405 -- 15 16 8 12
Riverton Parke.........121 114 000 -- 10 8 4 13