Bo Daves went seven innings for Marion a complete-game victory against Fulton in the first game of Monday's double header at Guess Field. In the nightcap. Josh Reynolds also threw a complete game, but came up on the losing end of a 3-2 game.
In the first game, the Bobcats won 3-2 with the Railroaders threatening in their last at-bat with a one-out double. However, Daves was able to strike out the next two batters and earn his third win of the year and 20th for Marion.
Reynolds pitched well, but Marion's offense provided only one run until the final inning when the surprise of the night, pitcher Jason Long, scored a second run and the tying run reached scoring position. However, Fulton outfielder Tyler Monkman was able to shut the door on the rally, earning a save.
Pressed into duty as a position player in the outfield, Long went 2-for-2 and reached on an error. The curveballer's run in the seventh kept Marion's hopes alive, but Mike DeSanto was left stranded on second with one out after Mike Rizzuto struck out and Pat Murphy hit a bouncer that Fulton's third baseman was able to make a play on to end the game.
Marion finishes the season in last place at 20-30, one win less than last year's fifth-place regular season finish.
In the only other KIT League action Monday, Owensboro earned a win and fourth place in the league without throwing a pitch. Sikeston forfeited Monday's game at Owensboro, but will travel there tomorrow for the first-round playoff game.
In the other first round game, Marion will face the Railroaders for the third time in only two days. The Bobcats will travel to Fulton where they struggled during the regular season, winning only one of fives games. Due to injuries and early exits by players with other commitments, Marion will be playing with only 16 players.
