Joes Late Runs Defeats Sluggers in the 9th-Inning

Written By Eric Stoller

HAMILTON, OH — For the third time in as many games, the Flag City Sluggers watched a multiple-run lead evaporate late against the Hamilton Joes, dropping a heartbreaking 9-8 walk-off decision in the 9th inning on Sunday night at Foundation Field.

After falling behind 2-0 early, the Sluggers' offense came alive behind clutch execution. Flag City tied the game in the second on an Aiden Booth RBI double, surged ahead 5-2 in the fifth via a two-run double from Atticus Huffstutler, and expanded the cushion to 8-4 in the sixth thanks to a bases-clearing, three-run single by Trenten Smith.

However, the Joes (13-10) meticulously chipped away at the bullpen. Hamilton answered with a run in the sixth and three more in the bottom of the seventh to dramatically knot the game at 8-8.

Hamilton finally capped off the comeback in the bottom of the 9th. After loading the bases against reliever Jayden Gallo (0-1), the Joes induced a walk-off RBI single to send the home crowd into a frenzy and complete the weekend sweep of the Sluggers.

Key Stats

Flag City Sluggers

  • Trenten Smith (2B): 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 BB

  • Atticus Huffstutler (DH): 2-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI

  • Draden Wardrop (SS): 2-for-3, 2 R, BB

  • Kaden Ford (RF): 2-for-5, 2B, R, SB

Hamilton Joes

  • Owen McKoon (RF): 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R, 2 SB

  • Alex Koelling (SS): 1-for-2, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB

  • Noah Kubasky (P): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO (Win)

Eric Stoller
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