By CHRIS BROOKS, managing editor, wellsvillesports.com; photos by JC’s Photography on Facebook
ARKPORT — The No. 3 Eagles of Fillmore were in control for much of the game Wednesday night in Arkport, as they used a strong opening outing to fire the engines on all cylinders against No. 2 Arkport-Canaseraga. Their lead would reach as large as three runs down the stretch — a time when it would matter the most.
But then, a complete flip of the script. The Wolves capitalized on everything.
Down 5-2 coming down to the wire, Arkport-Canaseraga never gave in, as the offense in the fourth inning burst into flames to begin a strand of seven unanswered runs, stretching into the next inning of play to complete an early rally and turn it into what was a 9-6 come-from-behind victory to clinch their spot in Saturday’s Finals while ending the season for the Eagles.
“It was a game we had, being up 5-2 in the fifth. We had great at-bats all night against two good pitchers. But a couple of defensive miscues cost us and they were able to build momentum at the plate to take the game away from us,” said Eagles coach Kaiden Bowers. “I’m proud of how far we’ve come this year. We played some pretty good baseball when it mattered most. We went from being a group of individuals trying to play hero-ball to a team that could manufacture runs in a lot of different ways. We’ll learn and remember this feeling.”
Before the humongous rally by the Wolves kicked into high gear, the upper hand was granted to Fillmore early on in the top of the first inning, as they struck all chords to deliver a big 3-0 lead out of the gate. With it remaining intact, both teams went on to deliver a jab across the next several innings, leading up to a 5-2 Eagles lead in the top of the fifth inning.
In the bottom half however, Arkport-Canaseraga ran the table, as they went on to score seven unanswered runs — four of them in the bottom of the fifth, and then three in the sixth, taking what was a 5-2 lead at that moment in time, and flipping it upside down by a 9-5 count entering the final stage of play.
Fillmore would drag across one final run in top of the seventh inning to apply a late dose of pressure against the Wolves, but the No. 2 seeds were able to shut the door behind five marvelous innings of relief from Micah Marvin, who picked up the win behind six strikeouts and three walks.
The Eagles totaled six hits at the plate, with James Hillman and his 2-for-4 outing leading the way, posting two RBI along the way. Jack Boon chipped in with a hit and drove in two more runs, while Jude Beardsley scored three of their six runs.
On the mound, Damon Potter went into the fifth inning during his start, fanning four and walking two.
The Wolves witnessed John Marcus blast a pair of doubles, driving in three total runs in the process to power the offense. Marvin chipped in with a double, while Caden Carey scored three runs.
Fillmore’s campaign has officially reached its conclusion, as they wrap up with a record of 9-9 overall. The team will graduate just their two lone senior leaders when Graduation arrives late next month, bidding farewell to both Nolan Krzeminski and Jude Beardsley.
“The future is bright for Fillmore baseball,” Bowers said. “But I will miss both Nolan and Jude, and their efforts they’ve given to this team. Incredible careers, fierce competitors, just two really good dudes that know how to play the game. Having them around every day is something I will miss. They leave behind some big shoes to fill.”
Fillmore 301 010 1 – 6 6 3
Arkport-Canaseraga 011 043 X – 9 8 1
FIL – Damon Potter (LP) (4K, 2BB), Kalen Beardsley (5), Isaac Wilcox (5) (3BB) and Nolan Krzeminski.
A-C – Caden Carey (3K, 2BB), Micah Marvin (WP, 3) (6K, 3BB) and Bryer Drake.
