Russell Conwell/Student Correspondent
Darren Kinnard
Section618.com
MARION — Herrin’s win over Harrisburg along with Benton’s win over Murphysboro Tuesday, left a three-way tie atop the SIRR Ohio baseball standings with the Tigers, Bulldogs, and Rangers all 2-1 in conference play. Two of those three met at Rent One Park Thursday, with Herrin beating Benton 9-6 to knock the Rangers out of a share of the lead.
Benton got things rolling in the top of the first with Jacob Kinsman hitting an RBI single to drive in Tyler Chamness. Herrin matched the Rangers with a score of their own in the bottom of the second inning on Cameron McEvers’ RBI single.
The Rangers regained the lead in the top of the third as Chamness scored again, this time off a single from Asher Wyant. The Tigers tried to answer in the bottom of the third inning with runners on second and third and only one out, but Kinsman got out of the jam by getting a strikeout and a ground out, preserving the Rangers’ 2-1 lead.
Herrin broke through in the fourth inning. Haydon Mayer and Carter McCree singled to start the rally, and both scored on Hunter Serena’s triple to give the Tigers a 3-2 lead. Nick Hubbard followed with another single to drive in Serena to make it 4-2 Herrin.
After Herrin starter Cameron Evrard pitched a 1-2-3 top of the fifth inning, the Tigers added to their lead in the bottom of the fifth. Mayer’s single scored Evan Young. McCree followed with another hit–this one scored McEvers for a 6-2 lead. Serena later drew a bases loaded walk to force in another run for a 7-2 Tigers’ lead.
Herrin added two more runs in the sixth inning off Rangers’ reliever Seth Tate to take a 9-2 lead going into the seventh inning.
Benton made it interesting in the seventh. Tate walked, and after Isaac Billington singled, Chamness was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Mason Tieffel hit a triple to clear the bases and and cut the lead to 9-5. Kinsman followed with a sacrifice fly to score Tieffel, pulling Benton within 9-6. It was too little, too late for the Rangers as Wyant flied out, and Chase Thomas struck out to end the game
With the win, Herrin improves to 7-8 (3-1). The Tigers will take on Trico Saturday at Rent One Park. Benton falls to 6-6 (2-2) and will welcome Goreville and Anna-Jonesboro Saturday for the RBI Tournament.