Baseball Earns 10th Inning Walkoff Over CCS Leader Maryville 8-7

DEMOREST, Ga. – An error on the final play of the game proved costly for Maryville as Piedmont escaped with a walkoff game-winner in the 10th inning to claim an 8-7 win over the Scots Saturday.

Piedmont rallied to score two in the bottom of the ninth to force extras and though the Scots tacked on a run in the 10th, Piedmont was not to be denied on senior day.

A Kyle Carlson walk put him on for Tyler Nelson to sac bunt over to second. Another walk to Jack Gilsenan put two on for Cody Funkwho singled to right field allowing Carlson to score. Gilsenan was stranded in between second and third, but a throw over to attempt to catch him at third got away and allowed the winning run to score.

The Lions were first on the board with a three spot in the second inning after three hits. A Cody Funk sac fly in the fourth made it 4-0 as Peyton Irvin kept the Scots silent.

Irvin pitched four scoreless innings allowing just four hits before Bodie Eilertson worked 2.1 innings. The Scots came to life later in the game with a three spot of their own in the seventh inning making it a one-run game.

The Scots went right back to work in the eighth with another crooked number scoring three runs on three hits and an error to lead 6-4. Piedmont left two on in the eighth and Simms stranded two Scots in the ninth to set up Piedmont for a comeback.

It was back to the top of the order as Cody Funk singled to start the inning but a fielder’s choice left Davin Miller at first with one out. Trace Cate was hit by a pitch and Carter Few singled to load the bases. Cole Ellis had a 2-RBI single to tie the game and force extras as a double play ended the inning on the next batter.

Piedmont survived to claim the walkoff in extra innings and take down the Scots who were on a 14-game win streak.

Up next, the Lions will host Maryville for a doubleheader Sunday beginning at 1 to conclude the regular season.

TURNING POINT:
– The Lions needed extras to pull it off but a walkoff winner after an error lifted the Lions to the victory.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES: 
– Braden Simms battled through 2.2 innings to earn the win after allowing a pair of runs off five hits.
– Cody Funk finished the game 4-for-5 with three RBI setting up the game-winning moment at the end.

NEWS AND NOTES:
– Prior to the game, 11 seniors were honored for their contributions in the Green and Gold.