By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
The Merrill Rangers baseball team held a two-run lead heading into the final inning of the season finale against Westboro, however the Trojans would score three runs in the bottom of the ninth, walking off the game and sending Merrill home disappointed.
The Rangers got an early lead, scoring one run in the top of the seventh inning. Piersen Pyan got Merrill started with a single to right field. Pyan then scored on a rocket hit to the center field fence, courtesy of Spence Schneider who legged out a triple. Merrill’s final run came in the eighth inning. Clay Schult led off with a single to left field. Schult was followed by two straight walks, loading the bases. Pyan then ripped a single down the right field line, scoring one Ranger run.
The bottom of the ninth saw Westboro load the bases early. A sacrifice fly-out scored one run for the Trojans, however with two outs, Merrill was only a put out away from winning. Merrill wouldn’t get that final out, as a double for Westboro allowed two more runs to score, ending the game with a score of 3-2.
Leading hitters for Merrill include: Piersen Pyan (2-4, RBI, R), Clay Schult (2-4, R), Spencer Schneider (1-3, RBI, BB) and Justin Pyan (1-3 BB).
The Rangers finish the season with a disappointing 3-11 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.