Happy Valley Hardball with a sabermetrics twist

In one of the more dramatic ninth innings you’d ever want to see, the Indiana Hoosiers continued their miracle run.

The Nits trailed Indiana 7-4 coming into the top of the ninth. They staged a thrilling comeback, highlighted by Cory Wine’s two out, two strike, two run double to tie the game up 7-7. Wine then scored on an Indiana error to give the Nits an 8-7 lead.

Indiana then staged a comeback of their own. Robbie Wine elected to ride the arm of his All-American closer Drew O’Neil, perhaps for one inning two many. O’Neil had come into the game in the sixth and the ninth would be his fourth inning of work, much longer than any outing this season. It showed. O’Neil struggled, giving up hits to the first two Indiana batters. Cory Wine then made a brilliant play on a bunt attempt throwing out the lead runner at third. A high bouncer over the pitchers mound became an infield single that loaded the bases. Drew got up 1-2 on the Hooiser’s ninth batter before giving up the season ending walk off grand slam. Asking Drew for four innings was just too much.

Still props for the Nits for their valiant effort and valiant season. The didn’t let the four run deficit get to them in this game, just as they didn’t let the poor start to the season get to them this year. Next season they will have to find a way to prevent that early season hole.

Thanks to all on the team for a fun season.