Late rally gives Pt. Pleasant 6-2 win

[jottings]

Host Pt. Pleasant, W. Va., exploded for six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to hand visiting Gallipolis a 6-2 setback in a non-conference battle Wednesday evening.

Gallipolis’ Kruize Wandling, backed with excellent fielding by his teammates during the first five rungs, had a 2-0 shutout going into the sixth when the wheels fell of for the Blue Devils. GAHS had three double plays heading into the fourth inning, and in the fatal sixth, had a chance for two more, but errors cost the Gallians dearly.

Gallipolis took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. The score remained that way until the top of the sixth when Gallipolis senior Nick Stevens smashed a 350-foot home run to dead center, giving GAHS a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, a combination of walks, errors, and timely Big Black safeties resulted in six PPHS runs before Beau Whaley relieved Wandling with one out to quell the West Virginians comeback.

Wandling, who pitched five and one-third innings, was charged with the loss. B. McClurg was credited with the win.

Gallipolis, which had its six-game winning streak snapped, dropped to 11-7 overall. Pt. Pleasant improved to 13-11.

The victory avenged a 7-6 loss to Gallipolis earlier this spring.

Thursday, GAHS will host Jackson in a Southeastern Ohio Athletic League contest.

Gallipolis is 7-3 in SEOAL play. The Ironmen are 8-2 after coming from behind to trip Portsmouth Wednesday, 12-10. JHS trailed 9-4 heading into the 7th inning. Friday, GAHS travels to Portsmouth for a league contest.