The Highland Fighting Scots secured a narrow 8-7 victory over Buckeye Valley, with significant contributions from the lower third of their batting lineup. Jacob Garber, Cade Minnick, and Branson Newsome collectively delivered five of Highland's eight hits, scored twice, and drove in three crucial runs.
According to the game report, Highland initially took the lead with Gavin Wiggand's sacrifice bunt. However, Buckeye Valley responded in the second inning with a fielder’s choice by Jace Haunhorst and capitalized on two errors by Highland in the third inning to establish a 3-1 advantage.
The sixth inning marked a turning point for Highland. They rallied with six runs on six hits, highlighted by Jayden Collins' two-run double. This surge shifted the score from a 5-3 deficit to an 8-5 lead.
Collins also contributed as a relief pitcher, allowing two runs on six hits over 3 2/3 innings while striking out four batters to secure the win. Minnick and Newsome each recorded two hits during this offensive burst. Collins, Minnick, and Rhett Russell each drove in two runs.
Buckeye Valley persisted until the end, amassing ten hits. Cam Keplinger led their effort with two RBIs from his 2-for-4 performance at the plate. Liam Popovich, Cole Rath, and Gavin Smith each added two hits for Buckeye Valley. Defensively, they maintained a clean sheet with Haunhorst handling ten defensive chances.
Ultimately, it was Highland's underdogs who emerged victorious through determination and a pivotal sixth-inning rally.
