Lyons/Chase holds off Scott City comeback attempt

Lyons, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–Going into Monday’s Class 3A Regional in Lyons, Scott City had built up some momentum, winning three of their final five games coming into regionals. Also leading into their game with Lyons/Chase, the Beavers were 1-4 in one-run games, with three having leads going into the seventh inning. Scott City yet found themselves in one of those one-run games once again. Unfortunately, the Lions were able to hold off Scott City 5-4 to advance on to Tuesday’s regional semi-final against Beloit.

The Beavers got the lead early on in the top of the first inning 2-1, after Hunter Braun had an RBI groundout scoring Sloan Baker, and Gustavo Gonzalez scored on a Kyle Cure RBI single. Lyons/Chase answered back with an infield single by Grady Kirkhart, that scored Dakota Nave in the bottom of the first to pull to within 2-1. The Lions tied the game in the second on an RBI single by Ryan Pray, scoring Justin Oberle. Scott City added a run in the third inning, as Braun drove in Baker on a fielders choice to make it 3-2 Beavers. Lyons would take the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth inning, as they scored two runs on a two-out error to make it 4-3. In the sixth, the Lions added an insurance run, as Dakota Nave tripled in Pray to make it 5-3. Scott City had one final push in the seventh, loading the bases with no one out, as Nave was pulled in relief after facing only two batters. In came Grady Kirkhart, who walked one run in to make it 5-4, but struck out the side to preserve the Lions win. 

Mitchell Vincent went six innings to pick up the win, giving up three runs on four hits with four strikeouts. Kirkhart picked up the save, and did not give up a hit in the seventh inning. Sloan Baker took the loss, giving up five runs, three earned, on six hits with eight strikeouts. Braun and Cure drove in all the runs for Scott City.

Scott City ends their 2015 season at 5-16, while Lyons/Chase improved to 11-9, and will face Beloit, who enters Tuesday’s game at 13-8 on the season.