Sluggers Stage Four-Run Ninth-Inning Comeback to Walk Off Monarchs 14-13
FINDLAY, OH — In a game that featured 27 runs, 30 hits, and multiple late-inning lead changes, the Flag City Sluggers walked away with a wild 14-13 victory over the Michigan Monarchs on Friday night at Marathon Diamonds.
The comeback win in front of 408 home fans brings the Sluggers' record to 12-7 on the summer.
The game was a back-and-forth track meet from the start. Michigan (5-12) used a massive seven-run third inning to take an early 8-1 lead. Flag City answers right back in the fourth, scoring five runs to cut the deficit to 8-6.
The Monarchs slowly pushed their lead back up to 11-7, but the Sluggers refused to go away. Flag City scored three runs in the seventh to trail by just one, 12-11. Michigan added an insurance run in the top of the ninth to make it 13-10, setting up a dramatic final frame.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Sluggers rallied for four runs to win it. With the bases loaded, Trenten Smith singled to drive in two runs and pull the team within one. Moments later, with the game tied 13-13, Miles Mitchell singled down the left field line with the bases full, forcing home the winning run and triggering a celebration on the field.
Reliever Aidan Murphy (3-0) earned the win, pitching the final 1.2 innings and keeping the Monarchs close enough for the walk-off comeback.
Key Stats
Flag City Sluggers
Trenten Smith (2B): 3-for-5, 3 RBI, R, BB
Cameron Spezia (RF): 2-for-5, 3 RBI, R
Miles Mitchell (3B): 3-for-6, 2B, 2 RBI, R
Brett Reed (SS): 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
William Barnes (1B): 2-for-3, 2B, 3 R, 2 BB
Aidan Murphy (P): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB (Win)
Michigan Monarchs
Cole Novara (LF): 5-for-5, RBI, 2 R, 3 SB
Maddux Bach (2B): 2-for-4, 2B, 5 RBI, R, SB
JJ Fontana (C): 2-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R, SB
