Late rally rarely a problem for Knights

A few walks and timely hits in the seventh help River Ridge earn a measure of revenge.

By CHRIS WAGENHEIM
Published March 28, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - The Royal Knights never gave up.

They could have, facing two outs in the bottom of the seventh with no one on and two runs down.

Instead, River Ridge scored three runs during a two-out rally, beating Land O'Lakes 10-9 on Tuesday.

"They have been doing this all year," River Ridge coach Ernie Beck said. "This is the third game we have won in the seventh inning."

The Gators (11-3) tied it in top of the sixth, then held the Knights (15-4) hitless in the bottom. Land O'Lakes scored two in the seventh, looking as if it would walk away with the game.

"The last time we played them we 10-run ruled them," Land O'Lakes coach Jamie Martin said. "And I know that if I ever get 10-run ruled, I am really going to come after them. That is what River Ridge did. We embarrassed them last time and they came back and embarrassed us."

Things became grimmer for the Knights when their first two batters struck out in the seventh. Then the rally started quietly with a walk. Brianna Rish and Jessica Tamburri followed with singles. With the bases loaded, Taylor Morris and Carla Leyva were walked, tying the score. Then came the top of the order, Michelle McKonly.

"I was on deck and I was waiting for (Leyva) to get walked," McKonly said. "I was praying to God that I got a chance to get up. I know (Leyva) was afraid to get up, but I love the pressure."

McKonly got her chance, and made the most of it. A single down the leftfield line sealed the deal.

"This is what it's about. It wouldn't be fun if you didn't have games like this," McKonly said.

[Last modified March 28, 2007, 00:38:31]