Rockhounds Claim AAA Championship

By: Shelia Mader

The Rockhounds AAA pulled out an exciting 5-4 win over the Muckdogs Friday night at the Marianna Recreation Department, scoring the winning run in the bottom of the fifth inning.

With the game tied 4-4, Charley Schuler delivered the game-winning hit with a single that brought home the deciding run and completed the Rockhounds comeback.

The Muckdogs struck first in the opening inning when Julius Gibson drew a bases-loaded walk to force in a run. The Rockhounds answered in the bottom half after Charley Schuler drove in a run on a groundout to even the score.

The Muckdogs appeared to take control in the third inning when Gabriel Taylor ripped a triple that helped extend the lead to 4-1.

The Rockhounds responded aggressively on the bases in the fourth inning, using two steals of home along with a passed ball to erase the deficit and tie the game heading into the final inning.

Wyatt Pickels started on the mound for the Rockhounds, recording six strikeouts over 2 1/3 innings. Charley Schuler later came in as relief and helped keep the game within reach.

Raylen Groomes led the Rockhounds offense with two hits, while Charley Schuler finished with three RBIs. The Rockhounds also showed patience at the plate with eight walks and swiped six bases during the game. Drake Burth had two stolen bases, and the team played error-free defense.

For the Muckdogs, Gabriel Taylor drove in three runs, while Clayton Buxton drew two walks. The Muckdogs also finished with eight walks and committed no errors in the field.