MCC rallies for walk-off win, sweeps Hart in twinbill

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HART — Mason County Central rallied in dramatic fashion to complete a suspended game and carried the momentum into a high-scoring nightcap Monday, sweeping Hart in a West Michigan Conference baseball doubleheader.

The Spartans won the opener 5-4 on a walk-off sacrifice fly by Pierce Bladzik before rolling to a 15-7 victory in the second game.

The first game resumed in the third inning after being postponed April 14.

MCC coach Shaun Reed said the unusual circumstances made for a unique challenge.

“Having to pick up playing this game from the third inning is kind of a weird thing,” Reed said. “Both teams have played a lot of baseball in the past month, a lot of things have happened and a lot of baseball has been played. You could almost say that both teams are completely different — more experience, more game ready. Very proud of these guys.”

The Spartans entered the bottom of the seventh trailing after Hart capitalized on an error and walk in the top half of the inning.

“We kind of blew it in the top of the seventh,” Reed said. “But doggone if we didn’t bounce back and win the game.”

Nate Adams led off the inning with a single before JV call-up Max Reed advanced him with a sacrifice bunt. Adams moved to third on a passed ball and scored the tying run when Toby Reed reached on an error behind third base.

Kaden Ruiz followed with a single to put runners at the corners before Bladzik delivered a deep fly ball to center field, scoring Toby Reed for the game-winner.

“Can’t draw it up any better,” Shaun Reed said. “We got a little lucky but also executed a couple sacrifice plays to win the game. Very pleased with this win.”

Toby Reed finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored, while Adams went 2-for-3 with two runs. Trent Hawke, Cayden Rummer and Ruiz also had hits.

Bladzik, who started the suspended game in April, returned to the mound and struck out 10 while allowing just two hits over five innings.

The Spartans stayed hot in the second game behind a breakout performance from JV call-up Coleson Cameron.

Cameron went 2-for-3 with a home run, double and five RBIs in just his second varsity appearance.

“Not bad for only your second varsity game,” Shaun Reed said.

Ruiz also powered the offense, finishing 2-for-3 with a home run, double and three RBIs. The homer was his third of the season.

“I am excited for Kaden,” Reed said. “He loves baseball and I am happy that he is having a good senior year.”

Chye, Bladzik and Rummer also contributed hits for MCC.

The Spartans closed the game with a rare defensive gem in the seventh inning. JV call-up Sawyer Sherretz entered with runners on first and second and no outs. On his first pitch, Hart lined out to Hawke at first base, who stepped on the bag for a double play and then fired to second to complete a triple play.

“I don’t know of a better way to end a game,” Reed said. “One pitch, triple play. Amazing.”

Reed said the Spartans hope to carry the momentum into Tuesday’s matchup against Holton and into district play.