Post Photo by Chris Siers Carter Walk lays down a sacrifice bunt to move Kason Fuller to second base in the top of the second inning.
Post Photo by Chris Siers Preston Gentry pitched an absolute gem for the Rockets against Cascade, giving up just two unearned runs on seven hits with 12 strikeouts.
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
BELL BUCKLE — Forrest’s Game 1 on Monday night against the Cascade Champions was about a good of a game as either team could have asked for.
The Rockets did everything but take home a win, as Cascade spoiled a dandy of an outing by Preston Gentry and took the walk-off in the 4-3 District 9-AA victory.
For four innings, fans were delighted to a quality pitcher’s duel between Gentry and Cascade starter Walker Craig.
The pair combined for four scoreless innings until the Rockets broke the stalemate in the top of the fifth inning.
Gentry helped his own cause when he ground out to first, allowing Austin Dillon to score the first run of the game.
Tyler Baxter padded the Rocket lead with a RBI double to deep center field, scoring Brennan Mealer for the 2-0 Forrest lead.
Cascade evened the score with a two-spot in the bottom of the sixth, setting the stage for the dramatic seventh inning.
In the final inning, Carter Walk drew a bases-loaded walk to put the Rockets up 3-2, but the drama didn’t end in the top of the frame.
After a hit batter, Cascade’s Logan Green connected on a line drive to center field, scoring two runs for the Champion walk-off.
Cascade starter Walker Craig went six innings of two-run baseball, giving up five hits and striking out five along the way.
Gentry went six innings, giving up two unearned runs on seven hits with 12 punch outs to his credit.
Tyler Baxter was had the hot stick at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double and a RBI.
Game 2 was played on Tuesday night in Chapel Hill, however, results were unavailable by press time.
Forrest 000 020 1 — 3 6 3
Cascade 000 002 2 — 4 9 2
Forrest: Brennan Mealer 1-for-3, Tyler Baxter 3-for-4, Kason Fuller 1-for-4, Luke Allen 1-for-2.
WP: Crosslin
LP: Fuller
