Blacksburg Rallies to Beat Salem 10-8 in Extra Innings
Moyer Sports Complex, Salem, July 23, 2007 --- Playing in the 8PM nightcap game
of a packed Moyer Complex, Blacksburg picked up an early 1-0 lead before
going ahead 5-2 in the third. Salem stormed back in the fourth with
three unanswered runs on six hits to tie the game at 5-5. In the fifth,
Salem went ahead 7-5 on more great hitting. Needing two runs in the top
of the sixth, Blacksburg scored three to go ahead 8-7. The bottom part
of the order would provide two spectacular innings of hitting to carry
Blacksburg to victory. With one out, the rally would begin. John Hinson
doubled in the gap. Then, Will Murray singled scoring Hinson from
second. Andrew Guy doubled, moving Murray to third. Back at the top of
the order, Ethan Goforth singled, scoring Murray to tie the game. With
the crowd chanting "Let's Go Blacksburg," the team would go ahead when
Morgan McCoy singled, scoring Guy. The inning ended with two spectacular
plays by Salem fielders. Salem tied the game at 8-8 in the bottom of
the sixth to send the game into extra innings. Heading into the 7th,
both supporting crowds tried to out duel each other with team chants. In
the top of the 7th, Blacksburg picked up two runs to move ahead 10-8.
With one out, John Hinson beat out a short infield hit to third base.
Eli Straw hit a sharp ball to the gap at SS, and a bad throw to first
resulted in Eli advancing to second, scoring Hinson. Will Murray
singled, advancing Eli to third. Andrew Guy singled down the third base
line, scoring Eli and Murray advanced to third. Salem ended the inning
with two more great defensive plays on sharp hit balls by Goforth and
Morgan McCoy. Caden Croy, Hal Hughes, Thomas Hughes, and John Hinson
patched together 7 effective innings of pitching. Hinson picked up the
win, pitching the last three. Both teams played great defense in a game
that would last almost three hours and showcased numerous great plays by
both infielders and outfielders. Blacksburg advances tonight to the
finals of the winners bracket to play Halifax at 7PM.
Another packed house at Moyer.
Salem Field.
Blacksburg coaches congratulate Will Murray on one of his several key runs.
Blacksburg coaches confer on strategy during the game.
Posted bracket at the Moyer Complex.
With one out in the 6th, the rally begins.
Eli Straw with a key hit late in the game.
John Hinson pitched three strong innings down the stretch.
Andrew Guy after his huge double in the 6th.
Manager Mike Goforth goes over defensive strategy to preserve the win.
Dixie National Director Leroy Floyd.
One out away from a victory!
Meeting in the dugout after the win.
Blacksburg fans great the team upon exiting the field.
