ELKINS- When your back is against the wall, some rise to the occasion while others fold in the corner.
On Tuesday evening, July 15, the Central Greenbrier 12U all-stars did the former and secured a thrilling 5-4 win over Summersville in the state tournament to avoid elimination and keep their hopes alive of a state title.
It wasn’t easy however, as CG had to rally and score two runs in the bottom of the fifth and hold off Summersville–which they did–in the sixth and final frame.
Summersville took an early 1-0 lead on an RBI double from Lee T to gain some important early momentum.
Summersville then extended that lead to 4-0 in the fourth inning as they laced three base hits in the inning and drew a walk to contribute. Rodney H’s 2-run base hit with two outs almost felt like a dagger at the time as Summersville had seemingly taken control of the contest.
Not so fast my friend, said the boys from CG.
Needing an answer to stay in the game, Central Greenbrier (7-1) got one, and a couple more. After a quick first out, Hendo Bostic walked, and Trenton Skaggs followed up with his second double of the night. Zander Rodoussakis then singled home Bostic and the Summersville lead was trimmed to 4-1. Two batters later, Zayden Walker lined a 2-RBI double to left and just like that, CG was down just one run, 4-3.
Tucker Sibold gave up a harmless single in the top of the fifth, but he struck out all three other batters he faced and Central went to the dugout confident with their bats coming back to the plate.
Graham McDaniel took one for the team and got to first base after being hit by a 2-1 pitch. But two quick outs followed, and a promising inning now showed just a runner on first with two down. But then Jax Parker doubled, then Hudson Cagle walked, and the bases were full. Next up was Spencer Holliday and he worked a full count and eventually drew a run-scoring walk and tied the game at 4-4. Finally, Bostic put Central ahead 5-4 with a clutch RBI single. Cagle was thrown out trying to make it home on the play, but Central Greenbrier had their lead.
Rodoussakis came on in the sixth and struck the first two hitters out and after issuing a walk, got Tyler M to ground into a fielder’s choice and Central Greenbrier held on and lived to continue fighting in Elkins.
Skaggs’ 2-2 day led the way on offense. Bostic and Rodoussakis both went 1-2 with a run and an RBI. Walker led the team with two runs knocked in.
Sibold had eight strikeouts in 4.1 innings and Rodoussakis got the save.
Central Greenbrier plays tomorrow, Wednesday, July 16 against the winner of Hurrican and Logan.
