Williamsport, Pa. - James McCoy’s four-RBI performance lifted the Crosscutters to a 9-7, come-from-behind win over West Virginia on Wednesday night.
McCoy opened the scoring for the Crosscutters with a two-out RBI double down the left field line, scoring Joey DeMucci, in the Bottom of the 3rd inning. The run brought Williamsport within three at 4-1.
In the Bottom of the 5th, Owen Prince and McCoy combined to drive in a pair of two-out runs to bring the Cutters within one, at 4-3.
McCoy drove in his final two runs of the night with a game-tying, two-run double in the Bottom of the 7th inning. After an intentional walk to Jack Kail and a walk to Nick Barone, Nicholas Romano ripped a two-run single passed 1st, giving the Cutters a 7-5 lead. Jake Zitella added one more with a RBI single to score Barone, as the Cutters took a 8-5 lead into the 8th.
In the Bottom of the 8th, Prince led off with a walk against former Cutters pitcher Ryan Ure (’25) and proceeded to steal 2nd and 3rd base. When Ure tried to pick off Kail at 1st, Prince broke for the plate and beat the throw to steal home and give the Cutters a 9-6 advantage.
On the mound, Ryker Walton struggled in his fifth start. The Righty out of Autin Peay allowed four runs on nine hits in three innings. Walton did not allow a walk, struck out two and hit a batter in the no decision.
Matthew Mariano gave the Cutters three innings of scoreless relief, working the fourth through the 6th, surrendering a hit and a walk while striking out two. Those scoreless frames helped allow the Cutters offense to start the comeback effort.
Bobby Helt worked the seventh and eight innings, allowing a single run in each frame. The 6-9 right hander struck out three batters while allowing five hits. Helt earned his first win of the season.
Joel Tornero had a turbulent ninth inning, allowing a run on a walk and two hits, but was able to close out the game successfully to earn his second save of the campaign.
The Crosscutters aim for a series victory Thursday night in the series finale. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35p.m. at Journey Bank Ballpark.
Cutters Carvings: James McCoy recorded his fourth three-hit game of the season, finishing 3-for-5 with two doubles and four RBI… Owen Prince tied Chris Stanfield for the most stolen bases in a game, swiping four bags in the win… Williamsport stole nine bases in the win and are one stolen base away from tying the franchise record of 170… West Virgina collected 17 hits in the loss, all 17 hits were singles…
