Walk-Off Single Caps Late Rally for Milan

Perseverance is what the Milan Big Reds can take from Wednesday night’s 4-3 win over the New Boston Huron Chiefs. Down 3-0 in the bottom of the sixth, Milan (2-3, 1-0 in the Huron League) scored two runs in the last two frames to scrape out a win.

Noah Bellers started for the Big Reds and struggled early. Even though he allowed no runs in the first two innings, he labored through both innings, leaving the bases loaded in the first and two on in the second. Meanwhile, Milan’s offense was lethargic in the opening innings.

Huron struck first with an unearned run in the fourth. The Chiefs added two more of Bellers on a two run home run in the top of the fifth. Bellers ended the day with a no-decision after giving up three runs, two earned, in five innings of work.

Alex Berge came in to relieve Bellers in the sixth and put Huron down one-two-three. Zach Schrader made a diving catch to finish the inning.

“[Today] was Alex’s first win at the varsity level.  He just throws hard and hits his spots. He throws hard enough that he’s going to keep 70 percent of the hitters on their shoes. It’s really nice having someone like that. I’m happy for him getting his first win,” said head coach Adam Gilles.

Milan opened their scoring in the sixth when Luke Karr tripled to deep center field.  He scored on a ball four wild pitch to Joe Dunn.  Dunn, who had hustled down to first and took a wide turn, forced a throw from Huron’s catcher that flew into right field. Dunn sped around the bases and scored without a throw when the Chiefs relay was misplayed.

The Big Reds finished the rally in the seventh inning.  Jon Spence singled and Chaz Poindexter battled before ripping a triple into right field.  Jeremy Maas came up next and laced a single down the first base line to score Poindexter and complete the comeback victory.

"(The win) gives us a lot of momentum. If we lose the game we’re one and four, we win and we’re two and three; that sounds a lot better,” said Maas.