NTL BASEBALL: CANTON PULLS OUT WIN OVER ATHENS (2024-05-14)

Northern Tier Sports Report
ATHENS — Canton used a 6-run third inning, then held on late, to beat Athens, 9-6, during NTL baseball action Tuesday.

The Warriors were down 3-1 after two before their big inning put them up 7-3. 

“My dugout provided a lot of energy,” Canton coach Ben Rubert said about their big inning. “The past couple of games we’ve been in a bit of a scoring drought to put up a big inning, that’s huge for us going into the postseason.”

The Wildcats would cut it to 7-6, before a 2-run top seven gave Canton the insurance to win.

“I’m pleased with nine runs after scoring two in two games,” added Rubert.

Bailey Gardner (2-for-4) had 2-RBI with a run scored as Hudson Ward (2-for-4) scored twice. Zach Colton (2-for-4) scored and drove in a run, with Holden Ward (1-for-3) getting a double with a run scored, and an RBI.

Jason Mahosky (1-for-3) scored with Michael Beers (1-for-4) getting a hit. Ben Fitch and Cohen Landis both scored and drove in a run, as Mason Harold also crossed home.

Holden Ward started, and went five innings for the win. He struck out six with five hits, three walks, five runs, two of which were earned. Colton went the final two innings with one strikeout, one walk, and one hit, with one unearned run.

Hudson Ward hit a 1-out single in the top of the first for the Warriors. Two batters later he scored on a Landis sacrifice fly for the 1-0 lead.

Athens would use errors and timely hitting to go up 3-1 until the top of the third when Canton made some Wildcat defensive miscues hurt.

With one out Hudson Ward reached on a dropped third strike, then later scored on an error off the bat of Fitch. Landis then reached on an error, setting up Gardner’s 2-run single to put Canton back up 4-3.

Colton then singled in Gardner for a 5-3 lead.

After a second out Harold reached on a dropped third strike. Colton then stole home, followed by Holden Ward doubling in Harold to put the Warriors up 7-3.

In the top of the seventh Canton was nursing a 1-run lead when they rallied with two outs. Mahosky singled, followed by back to back walks to Holden and Hudson Ward.

Mahosky and Holden Ward both later scored on passed balls for the 3-run lead.

Canton (15-5) will now see if the win is enough to vault them over Wyalusing and into the fourth spot in the district standings. The Rams have one game left - home with Elk Lake on Wednesday - and are doing everything they can to try to get that in. 

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