It came down to the wire on Friday at Hoover Met Complex, as Mountain Brook Varsity Spartans grabbed the victory in walk-off fashion, 10-9, over Pike Road Varsity Patriots. The game was tied at nine in the bottom of the fourth when Gresham drew a walk, scoring one run.
Bats blistered as Mountain Brook Varsity Spartans collected five hits and Pike Road Varsity Patriots tallied seven in the high-scoring game.
Pike Road Varsity Patriots got on the board in the top of the first inning after Cuthbert doubled to center field, Belyeu singled down the right field line, and Thompson singled down the left field line, each scoring one run.
Mountain Brook Varsity Spartans flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the second, scoring five runs on two hits to take the lead, 7-3. The biggest blow in the inning was a double by Goldman that drove in two.
Mountain Brook Varsity Spartans added one run in the third. Shea singled to center field, making the score 8-3.
Pike Road Varsity Patriots flipped the game on its head in the top of the fourth, scoring six runs on one hit to take the lead, 9-8. The biggest blow in the inning was a wild pitch that drove in two.
Mountain Brook Varsity Spartans captured the lead, 10-9, in the bottom of the fourth after Kearse grounded into a fielder's choice, and Gresham walked, each scoring one run.
Kearse earned the win for Mountain Brook Varsity Spartans. The righty gave up seven hits and nine runs (two earned) over four innings, striking out one and walking six. Olesen took the loss for Pike Road Varsity Patriots. The starter went two innings, surrendering six runs (four earned) on two hits, striking out four and walking seven.
Goldman provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Mountain Brook Varsity Spartans with three runs batted in. The 3-hole hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Shea and Goldman each collected two hits for Mountain Brook Varsity Spartans. Gresham led Mountain Brook Varsity Spartans with two walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating seven walks for the game.
Wilson and Cuthbert were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for Pike Road Varsity Patriots while hitting back-to-back. Thompson drove the middle of the lineup, leading Pike Road Varsity Patriots with two runs batted in. The outfielder went 1-for-1 on the day. Pike Road Varsity Patriots had patience at the plate, piling up six walks for the game. Thompson and Belyeu led the team with two free passes each.