Varsity baseball falls to Fort Defiance 5-2
The regulation high school baseball game goes seven innings, this one went nine. The valley district contest between the Blue Streaks and the Fort Defiance Indians lasted just over three hours with the Indians eventually rallying late in the ninth inning to beat Harrisonburg, 5-2.
To start out the game, Harrisonburgs lineup consisted of the freshman duo of pitcher Evan Bert and catcher Josh Engle. The Streaks took an early 1-0 lead on a Fort Defiance error. The Indians pitcher made a pickoff attempt to first base, but threw the ball away, allowing freshman Dylan Burnette to score.
Late in the fourth inning, Coach Tysinger made his first pitching change by replacing Bert with senior Jose Rocha. In addition to making a pitching change, the Streaks also brought in senior Owen Marshall behind the plate.
The streaks were able to hold the Indians to a one run lead throughout the game. Still down 2-1, sophomore Aidan Perkins scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game and give the Streaks motivation to keep going.
After seven innings, the Streaks, still tied at 2-2, were forced into extra innings.
Pitching to start the top of the ninth, sophomore Aidan Perkins led Harrisonburg in its attempt to hold the Indians from scoring. With bases loaded, a pitching error led to the Indians walking a runner home to go up 3-2. With still two outs to go, the Indians were able to get more runners home after hitting a two-run single into center field.
The Streaks went into the bottom of the ninth still with the hope to tie the game yet again. After loading the bases with two outs, the Indians were able to get the final out before the Streaks could drive the runners in to close the night and seal their 5-2 victory.
The Streaks 1-6, will have another opportunity to get a victory on Monday April 8, as they host Riverheads high school at 6pm.
