When a pitcher strikes out 15 batters in six innings it is usually a sign the individual would be heralded the player of the game. Or maybe the batter who drove in the game-winning run would get that honor.
But in Thursday afternoon's District 10 semi-final baseball contest, the player of the game was the sophomore who pitched only one inning. He got himself into a bit of a jam walking batters and loading the bases in the top of the seventh. That is when Zach Boland dug his heels in and got out of the inning without giving up a run. This was such a huge moment for the whole team.
Boland's grit to stay focused kept Hickory from running up the score and allowed Franklin a chance to end it in regulation.
In the bottom half of the frame, the Knights dug a little deeper and got a runner into scoring position when Aiden McCracken stepped up to the plate. The lefty connected for a base hit scoring Caleb Doyle from second base.
And just like that, the Knights defeated top seed Hornets 6-5 to advance to the title game.
But in Thursday afternoon's District 10 semi-final baseball contest, the player of the game was the sophomore who pitched only one inning. He got himself into a bit of a jam walking batters and loading the bases in the top of the seventh. That is when Zach Boland dug his heels in and got out of the inning without giving up a run. This was such a huge moment for the whole team.
Boland's grit to stay focused kept Hickory from running up the score and allowed Franklin a chance to end it in regulation.
In the bottom half of the frame, the Knights dug a little deeper and got a runner into scoring position when Aiden McCracken stepped up to the plate. The lefty connected for a base hit scoring Caleb Doyle from second base.
And just like that, the Knights defeated top seed Hornets 6-5 to advance to the title game.
| Boland relieved Luke Guth in the seventh after the junior ace reached his pitch count limit. Despite striking out 15 batters, Guth left the game with the teams tied at five runs a piece. Some sloppy moments in the field allowed Hickory to cross the plate a few times. Not many solid bats on the ball from the Hornets, but they stayed right in the game. |  |
Boland finding the ability to dig deep despite being in a position where most would be rattled is nothing short of impressive. Without this effort, the Knights might not be headed back to Slippery Rock University at 4:30 Monday to play Fairview for the District 10 3A championship.
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