GRAVETTE -- The Lions stole the lead with an eight-run fifth inning for a 12-6 victory over the Wolverines of Vian, Okla., on Tuesday, March 14.
Vian was up 4-3 coming into the bottom of the fifth but Gravette batter McCoy Kildow was hit by a pitch, Justin Trucks walked to put runners on first and second, and Isaiah Larson then walked to load up the bases before Kyle Murphy singled to right to bring in the tying run.
But it didn't stop there. Cyric Day was hit by a pitch, bringing Trucks home. Holden Betz was hit by a pitch. Larson scored on a balk by the Vian pitcher, and Gunnar Woolard singled on a ground ball to center field, bringing in Murphy. Rhett Hilger then hit a ground ball triple to left, scoring Betz and Woolard. Hunter Robbins, courtesy runner for Woolard, scored on a Trucks ground out, making the score Gravette 11, Vian 4.
Day also walked in the fifth and made it home after Betz hit a double to right and Cameron Bedwell hit a sacrifice flyball to left.
Vian answered with two runs in the top of the seventh but that wasn't enough to keep the Oklahoma team in the game, which ended after six and a half innings.
Gravette collected seven hits in the game and Vian had eight.
Hilger started on the mound for Gravette. He allowed four runs on two hits over two and two-thirds innings, striking out five. Rhouton was credited with the win. He pitched four innings and allowed two runs on six hits. He struck out six. Holden Betz pitches a third of an inning and struck out one.
Hilger also led in batting with two hits, including a triple, in five at-bats.