Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

COAL GROVE — The Coal Grove Hornets did about everything right but win.

In a pitcher’s duel, the Hornets lost 3-2 to the Raceland Rams in 10 innings on Monday.

“Top to bottom, that’s our best game of the year,” said Hornets’ coach Dean Mader. “Pierce threw well and we played good defense behind. It was tough to lose when you play that well.”

Jacob Pierce pitched well for the Hornets. He worked nine innings allowing just four hits, striking out seven and walking two.

Coal Grove took a 1-0 lead in the second. Pierce reached on an error and Jesse Rigsby and Alex Bare singled.

Raceland (9-6) tied the game in the third when Cody Gollihue singled, moved up on a balk and scored on a hit by Ryan Tolliver.

Neither team scored again until the 10th inning.

In the top of the inning, Austin Helms walked, Kyle Moore singled and Zayne Sammons had a two-run, two-out double.

Coal Grove came back with a rally in the bottom of the inning.

Rigsby singled, moved up on a wild pitch and scored when Travis Carey reached on an error.

But the rally fell a run short.

Rigsby went 2-4 as the Hornets had four hits.

Raceland 001 000 000 2 = 3 6 2

Coal Grove 010 000 000 1 = 2 4 2

Drew Darby, Kyle Morris (8) and Ryan Tolliver, Nicholas Collier (4). Jacob Pierce, Jonathan Joseph (10) and Jesse Rigsby. W-Morris (IP-3, K- 4, BB-1, H-1). Darby IP-7, K-10, BB-2, H-3, R-1. L-Joseph (IP-1, K-1, BB-1, H-2). 2B-Raceland: Zayne Sammons. Hitting-Raceland: Kyle Moore 1-4, Ryan Tolliver 1-2, Zayne Sammons 1-4, Freddie Shepherd 1-5, Drew Darby 1-4, Cody Gollihue 1-4; CG: Jesse Rigsby 2-4, Alex Bare 1-4 rbi, Jonathan Joseph 1-4.