Extra-inning affair ends losing streak

(NOTE: Initial reports had Friday's game ending in a three-run home run, but upon further review the hit was ruled a ground rule double resulting in a 3-2 decision for the Bobcats.)

Kottich

Marion broke a four-game skid Friday in dramatic fashion. After tying the game in the eighth at 2-2 with their first scores of the night, Cody Kottich ended the game for the Bobcats in the bottom of the 10th inning with a walk-off hit. The 3-2 win over Fulton was Marion's 14th of the season, but the first in an eight-day, 10-game homestand that began Thursday.

Going into the bottom of the eighth, Fulton led 2-0 with both runs coming off starter Todd Brazell. But Brazell, who gave up only one earned run in this, his fifth start, was taken off the hook when the Bobcats rallied for a pair of runs on a Kyle Vander Ark single. But the Railroaders threatened in both the ninth and 10th innings off reliever Desmond Robert, putting runners on third in both frames. Roberts, though, was able to get out of each inning unscathed, including the 10th when manager Kyle Medley left him in to work out of his own one-out, bases loaded jam.

The win was Roberts' second against no losses. Brock Downey (1-1), who gave up Kottich's game-winning hit after registering only one out, took the loss for Fulton.

Downey, in the 10th, walked Jake Hirniak to lead off the inning then hit Vander Ark to put runners on first and second. Cameron Chestnut came in to run for Vander Ark for insurance against a double play, but a fly out by Caleb Eickhoff failed to advance the runners. It became academic, however, when Kottich stepped in and ended the game with his only hit of the night, a ground rule double that bounced over the fence. The hit was initially reported as a home run.

Coming into the night, Marion threatened to relinquish sole possession of first place for the first time since early June. Tradewater, after sweeping a three-game set at Guess Field Thursday, had moved to within one game of the league-leading Bobcats. Friday's victory preserved the game lead over Tradewater, who beat Owensboro 5-3 to remain a game back in second place.

For Marion, Brazell allowed seven hits and struck out seven in eight innings. At the plate, Vander Ark was 2-for-4 and Hirniak, Eickhoff and Cody Schmitt each added singles.

For Fulton, Alex Azeredo was 2-for-4 with a double. Pudlo also doubled for his only hit in three at-bats. Brandon Eggenschwiler had the Railroaders only RBI, with a one run in the fifth scoring on an error.

The two teams square off again Saturday at Guess Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Click here for box score.

Tradewater 5, Owensboro 3
The Pirates kept pace with Marion while the Oilers fell to 2.5 games out in last place. Fulton is also 2.5 games behind Marion in third place, just percentage points ahead of Owensboro.