Hawks Comeback Bid Falls Short Against ETBU

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Kicking off the fourth installment of the Firehouse Classic this afternoon, Huntingdon Baseball's comeback bid in a rematch of last season's regional elimination game against ETBU fell just short, as the Hawks were taken down by the Tigers 10-6. 

The Tigers scored three times in the first inning and pushed the lead to 5–0 through three, taking advantage of nine walks on the afternoon. They added single runs in the sixth and seventh before a three-run ninth extended the margin to 10–0.

The Hawks were limited to 0 runs through eight innings but erupted for six in the bottom of the ninth. Jabez Sampson sparked the rally with a two-run single, and Blayne McDaniel followed with a three-run triple down the right-field line. Brent Cadenhead later drove in a run on a groundout to cap the scoring. McDaniel led Huntingdon with three RBIs, while Sampson added two. Drew Jolley, Eayn Thomas, and Nolan Fowler each scored during the ninth-inning push, but the comeback attempt ultimately fell short as Huntingdon dropped to 7-3 on the season. 

On the mound, Jacob McFarling took the loss, allowing five runs over two innings. Killean Blackmon provided a steady stretch out of the bullpen with three innings of one-run ball and three strikeouts, while MD Johnson, Landon Nelson and Brayden Heaps also saw relief work as the Hawks used five pitchers in the contest.  

The Hawks return to action at Neal Posey Field tomorrow, March 1st, as they close out this weekend's tournament with a double-header against Mt. St. Joseph and Adrian. Games are set for 1:30 and 5:00 PM CT.