The Rocks rallied from an early three-run deficit to defeat Saint Xavier 6-3 on April 22, using timely hitting and strong relief pitching to secure the win.

Nolan Hosking had a strong start in the first inning with a double, but other than that, the Rocks’ bats were cold early. Max Phillips had a nice drive to the outfield to start the third inning, but Saint X remained strong on the mound, keeping the Rocks off the scoreboard once again.

Through three innings, the Rocks were held to two hits. Hosking, Hudson Meredith and Cade Parton all recorded hits in the fourth inning to get the Rocks on the board with two runs.

Through four innings, it was 3-2 in favor of the Tigers, in a rowdy atmosphere. Gray Davis had a huge hit to start the fifth inning, sending a runner to third. Hosking carried the momentum with an RBI to even the score, and Grayson Willoughby added another RBI to give the Rocks the lead.

Easton Cline came in during the bottom of the fifth to relieve Connor Stargle and delivered a lights-out inning, highlighted by a big tag from Willoughby. Saint X’s pitching weakened throughout the game, which proved to be a pivotal issue for the Tigers. Meredith scored to make it 5-3 on an RBI by Isaac Miller in the top of the sixth. The Tigers held in the sixth inning with a full count and bases loaded.

In the bottom of the sixth, Phillips caught a runner stealing with a strong throw from Hosking and a tag by Miller.

The Rocks loaded the bases in the top of the seventh and added another run to make it 6-3. Saint X made one final push in the bottom of the seventh, but Jacob Freibert sealed the game with a diving catch. You can catch the Rocks take on St. Henry and Henry Clay in a double-header on Saturday at home. Go Rocks!