KILGORE, Texas – Liberty-Eylau’s 4A playoff journey appeared in jeopardy Friday night after Kilgore rallied to beat the Leopards in Game 2 of their best-of-three 4A bi-district series, 3-2.
The host Bulldogs scored first in the decisive third game, and led 1-0 going into the fifth inning. That’s when the Leopards’ bats came alive against Kilgore pitchers Cade Pippen and Heath LaFleur.
L-E scored three runs in the fifth to capture the lead, but the Bulldogs answered right back with four runs in the sixth for a 5-3 lead. It continued to be a see-saw affair when the Leopards scored twice in the sixth to tie the score at 5-5. Kilgore took a 6-5 lead in the top of the seventh, and the Leopards walked-off with two runs in the bottom of the seventh.
L-E defense sloppy in bi-district series
Five L-E errors proved costly, but not decisive. Winning pitcher Nate Moore drove home two runs. He had a double and single, and Bryce Blackwell plated another run with a pair of singles. Catcher Colby Brooks got on base four times with a single and three walks. Zach Brush also had a single, while Ron Gaza and Hunter Burks scored.
Moore struggled at times, but went the distance for the pitching win. The senior right-hander scattered seven hits, walked one and struck out six. Only three of the six runs he gave up were earned.
Liberty-Eylau (23-6-2) advances to the Region II-4A area round to play Wills Point or Kaufman.