PLYMOUTH – Another day, another heartstopping win for Plymouth’s Pilgrims as they move to final round action on Tuesday at the Plymouth sectional with a 9-8 come from behind victory over Mishawaka at Bill Nixon Field Saturday afternoon.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this group the way it went and the way we battled back,” said Plymouth head coach Ryan Wolfe. “We’ve seen about everything we can see this year. We were frustrated after the first inning. I honestly can’t say there was never a doubt but there was never a doubt we were going to make a game of it. We were going to get guys up that know how to win ball games and they did.”
It was not a promising start as the Pilgrims stumbled their way through the top of the first spotting the Cavemen six runs, but as Plymouth held on Mishawaka would return the favor. Three errors and four hits brought Mishawaka their first inning runs. That’s when things turned for the better, possibly spurred by a timely time out.
“We have some great kids on the team. The kid behind the plate (Elijah Nixon) called time out and went out there before me,” said Wolfe of his senior catcher. “I didn’t need to call time. He said the things I was going to say. That’s the kind of leadership he’s brought all year.”
Nixon called his team mates together on the mound and after a brief conference the Pilgrims (17-14) were able to get out of a nightmare top of the first.
It wasn’t long before Mishawaka (20-8) would return the favor. Three Caveman errors – all on the same play – in the bottom of the second would put Plymouth back in the game at 6-3. Seconds after that a Justin Drudge two run homer made it even closer at 6-5.
With adversity in the rear view mirror, Wolfe also praised his starting pitcher, Joe Dragani who posted three shut out innings and gave up just two more runs.
To come back out was what I’m most proud of,” said Wolfe. “He’s a senior and he could have folded but he gave me every ounce of energy he had I couldn’t be more proud of him – as I am of all the kids.”
For a second straight game it was the heroics of Nixon that put the Pilgrims ahead to stay. His two out two run double in the fourth put the Pilgrims up for good at 9-8. It was part of a three for three day at the plate for Nixon and the second straight game his late inning heroics at the plate have helped the Pilgrims to a win.
“I guess if your going to give up a big inning you want to give it up early to have plenty of at bats,” said Wolfe with a smile. “We’re a veteran team. I really don’t have to say much to them. It was a huge second inning to get back in the game there and the momentum started to turn.
“We’ve got a mix of guys that lead by example and vocal leaders and that’s what makes this team fantastic.”
Plymouth will have to wait until Monday night to find out who their opponent will be. Saturday’s second game was delayed by rain with Penn leading South Bend Riley 2-1 in the top of the seventh. That game will be completed on Monday night with the championship set for Tuesday.
LINESCORE
Mishawaka 6 0 0 1 1 0 0 8-12-5
Plymouth 0 5 1 1 3 0 x 9-9-4
WP – Dragani. LP – Campbell. S – Davidson. HR – Drudge (P). 2B – Mackowics 2 (M), Nixon (P), Milligan (P).
