Sixth-inning comeback sparks Massillon Jackson to victory over St. Edward, 5-2

League Park, Cleveland, Ohio — Massillon Jackson used clutch late-game hitting in the sixth inning, leading to victory over St. Edward, 5-2.

St. Edward struck first in the bottom of the second inning when sophomore second baseman Mac Wainwright scored from second base on a sacrifice bunt by Jeff Santa.

After a double by Cade Mottice to lead off the fourth, second baseman and Ohio State commit Dillon Dingler followed that up with a double of his own to tie the score at 1.

In the bottom of the fourth, senior Riley Baumbick led off with a walk, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, and scored on an errant pickoff attempt, giving St. Edward the lead, 2-1.

Massillon Jackson tried to rally in the fifth inning, putting runners on first and second with one out, but junior pitcher Logan Wiggenhorn got out of the jam by inducing a fly out and a popup. He threw five innings, giving up only three hits, one earned run, two walks, and struck out two on 61 pitches.

Dillon Dingler led off  the top of the sixth with a single to right field, and Jake Mottice walked, putting runners on first and second with no one out. Dingler advanced to third on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt, and scored on a second throwing error, tying the game. Jake Mottice advanced to third on the play.

Dingler was 2-3 on the day with a double, a single, a walk, an RBI, and a run scored.

“We started off a little slow but towards the last few innings, we definitely picked it up and got guys on base and were able to manufacture runs, so it was a good win.” said Dingler.

After a hit by pitch and stolen base, senior Davis Graham came off the bench and delivered a clutch single to left field, plating Jake Mattice, and putting Massillon Jackson on top, 3-2.

“I got the call, ran out there, assessed the situation. I got a pitch down the middle, and was able to help my team get another run.” said Graham.

Senior Kyle Burke singled to left field, plating another run, increasing the lead to 4-2. Kyle Wright then added a sacrifice fly to increase Massillon Jackson’s lead to 5-2.

Massillon Jackson sophomore pitcher Yianni Skeriotis threw 5 1/3 innings, giving up five hits, striking out six, walking one, and giving up only one earned run on 74 pitches. He improves to 2-0 on the season.

“I didn’t have my best stuff today, but these guys picked me up and we fought hard and came up with the win.” said Skeriotis.

In the bottom of the sixth, St. Edward had the bases loaded, but senior reliever Jack White struck out the next two batters, and closed out the game in the seventh to earn the save.

“The level of competition we have in practice is game-like. Going out there and being able to lock it down, with all three pitches working, I was happy I could do it for the team.” said White.

“I thought our pitching today gave us a chance. They did a great job mixing pitches and keeping us off balance today. Our seniors came through with some clutch hits and great at bats. I was proud of the way we played the last three innings.” said Massillon Jackson head coach Bill Gamble.

Despite the loss, St. Edward head coach Matt Rosinski was proud of the way his team played.

“We played six solid frames, and had one rough inning where it got away from us. But that’s a real good ball club, and I’m proud of our guys, the way we competed against a very good ball club.” said Rosinski.

Massillon Jackson improves to 7-0 and hosts Brunswick on April 14th.

St. Edward falls to 6-4 and travels to Amherst on April 15th.