By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
An early Merrill lead was diminished by a four-run second inning for the Stevens Point Sixers. Post 46 would work themselves back in the game, however fall just short, losing 6-5.
Merrill got on the board first, scoring one run in the top of the first inning. Peyton Becker singled to left field with one out and would later find himself on third base, following a Piersen Pyan single. An error on the Stevens Point shortstop, allowed Becker to score and give Merrill the early advantage. The Sixers tied the game in their half of the inning, however Merrill responded with another run in the second inning. An error and a hit-batter put Merrill in business, with runners on first and second. A two-out double from Ty Bailey scored one Merrill run, however the second runner was thrown out at home, trying to score from first.
Stevens Point then had their surge, scoring four runs in the bottom of the second inning. In the third inning, a two-out rally scored two Merrill runs. Pyan got things started with a two-out single. Jake Bailey then singled to left field, advancing Pyan to third base. A single from Spencer Schneider scored Pyan and Bailey, however Schneider would get thrown out at second base, trying to extend his hit to a double. The Sixers then scored one run in the bottom of the fourth inning, making it a 6-4 game.
The bats went cold for Post 46, not scoring any runs until the seventh inning. In the seventh, Merrill attempted to finish the comeback, however fell just short. With a runner on first base, Becker smoked a line drive to left field, scoring a Merrill run. Casey Hoffman then singled, placing runners on first and third. The Sixers would then decide to intentionally walk Pyan, bringing Jake Bailey to the plate. Bailey struck out swinging, as Stevens Point held on for the win.