Red Devil rally falls just short against Brilliant
By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
A seventh-inning rally by Vina came up just short on Monday as the Red Devils dropped a 5-4 decision to visiting Brilliant in a Class 1A, Area 13 matchup.
Vina (14-4, 2-2 area) failed to capitalize on the momentum generated by Saturday's big area win at Marion County. The Red Devils must beat Marion County at home in next Thursday's regular season finale to clinch their third consecutive playoff berth.
Six Vina errors contributed to four unearned runs by Brilliant on Monday as the visiting Tigers built a 5-0 lead through six innings.
With their backs against the wall, the Red Devils came out swinging in their final at bat.
Kyle Green was hit by a pitch with one out in the bottom of the seventh, and Brent Townsend drew a walk. Paul Wilkins then connected for a three-run homer to trim the lead to 5-3.
After a walk to Corey Scott with two outs, Luke Childers delivered an RBI double to bring Vina within a run. Rodney Barnes was retired on a grounder back to the mound for the final out.
Max Weeks took the loss for Vina, allowing just one earned run on seven hits in seven innings. He struck out five and did not walk a batter.
Childers finished with two hits to lead the Red Devils. Wilkins, Weeks, Scott, Barnes and Green each added one hit.
In previous action:
Vina 19 Marion County 7
Paul Wilkins homered and drove in six runs on Saturday as the Red Devils rocked Marion County.
Wilkins finished 3-for-4, hitting a two-run homer in the top of the second inning. He also had a two-run double, an RBI single and a bases-loaded walk.
Kyle Green also homered for Vina and scored three runs. Corey Scott was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and Blake Thorn was 1-for-2 with four runs scored.
Randy Barnes added an RBI single and scored three runs.
Vina led 6-5 before scoring two runs in the top of the third and five more in the fourth to break the game open.
Green was the winning pitcher, allowing four earned runs on six hits in six innings. He struck out three and walked seven.
