They did it again.

Another strong pitching effort lacked offensive support as the Ironton Fighting Tigers fell 4-3 Monday to the Russell Red Devils.

T.J. Keith pitched five strong inning before giving way to relievers Chris Rakes and Dennis Gagai.

“Our pitching has been good, we just need to clutch up,” Ironton coach Mark Lewis said. “We have to get some offense going. If we don’t score, it leaves a smaller margin of error.”

Russell got two runs in the second inning when Michael Horn singled, Kasey Clark tripled and B.J. Hamilton beat out an infield roller.

Ironton (10-8) tied the game in the fifth inning. Tanner Reed singled, Chris Rakes walked and Dennis Gagai tripled both runners home.

The Red Devils took a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning.

Marcus Frazier doubled and Justin Potter singled for a run. Potter moved upon the throw home and scored on an error.

Ironton got infield hits by Trevor Allen and J.J. Johnson to open the bottom of the seventh and Rakes put down a sacrifice bunt and a throwing error on the play scored Allen.

Gagai was walked intentionally to load the bases, but a double play and fly out ended the game.

Rakes took the loss as he worked just one inning. He struck out two and only one of the two runs he allowed was earned.

Ironton plays at 5 p.m. Tuesday at South Point in the Division III sectional tournament.

Russell0200020=483

Ironton0000201=371

Justin Potter and Aaron Beekman. T.J. Keith, Chris Rakes (6), Dennis Gagai (7) and Dustin Preston. W-Potter (8-K, 1-BB, 3-ER). L-Rakes (2-K, 0-BB, 2-R, 1-ER). Sac-Russell: Horn; Ironton: Chris Rakes, J.J. Johnson. SB-Ironton: Chad Miller. 2B-Russell: Justin Potter, Marcus Frazier; Ironton: Dustin Preston. 3B-Russell: Kasey Clark; Ironton: Dennis Gagai. Hitting-Russell: Potter 2-2, Michael Horn 2-2; Ironton: Dennis Gagai 1-3 (2 rbi), Dustin Preston 1-4, Chad Miller 2-4, Tanner Reed 1-3, Trevor Allen 1-3, J.J. Johnson 1-2.