Fifth Inning Rally Jolts Wildcats Into Playoffs [VIDEO]

Wilmington fell behind after a three-run fifth inning by Melrose on Monday. But it didn't take the Wildcats to bounce back.

The local nine responded with a five-run home half of the frame and held on for a 7-5 victory to earn no worse than second in Middlesex League Small School Division play. That result assures the Wildcats of a spot in the upcoming MIAA baseball postseason.

"We knew we were going to come back at some point," said Woods. "We have our confidence is the highest it's been all season. We know we can beat anyone moving forward."

Brendan McDonough started the fifth inning rally with a line double to left field. Tim Woods followed with an RBI single and scored on a wild pitch and Dalton Rolli pushed home a run with a ground out to tie the score just minutes after the team fell behind 5-2.

Colin Doherty pushed home the eventual game-winning run soon after and Michael Curtis added an insurance RBI single to cap the scoring.

"It was like they sucked the life out of us, but we came back out kind of determined," said Caira. "The kids have been doing that all year. They've been hot the last three years hitting like that."

Starting pitcher John Keough went five innings and allowed five runs on the day. The senior nearly snuck out of trouble in the top of the fifth but allowed a three-run triple with two outs before ending the inning.

Woods came on in relief for the final six outs to save the victory for Keough. He allowed runners on second and third with two outs in the game, but recorded a strikeout to seal the win.

Woods also received defensive help from Dalton Rolli, who retreated and turned several directions before eventually making the second out on a line drive with the tying runs on base.

The Wildcats can earn a share of the league crown with one win in their final games, and the locals can clinch the title outright with a victory over Burlington on Thursday.