Wabash could not make a one-run lead stand at Mud Hollow Field Tuesday afternoon. A two-out double in the ninth inning gave Franklin a 4-3 victory.
Jarrett Johnson's double to left center scored two runs to erase a 3-2 Little Giant lead two innings after a controversial call took a run off the scoreboard for Wabash.
With the game tied at 2-2, PJ Tyson led off the bottom of the seventh inning for the Little Giants with an infield single and moved to second on an errant throw by the Grizzlies' second baseman. Brian Lares followed with a rocket up the middle, with Tyson scoring well ahead of the throw from Franklin centerfielder Matt Zmich. However, after a conference in the middle of the infield, Tyson was called out by the first base umpire, who said the batted ball by Lares struck Tyson in the backside before continuing on into the outfield. Lares, who had moved to second on the throw to the plate was sent back to first base on the call.
The Little Giants refused to allow the call end the rally. John Pennington beat out an infield hit to second, sending Lares to third with one out. Tanner Coggins then lifted a fly ball to right, scoring Lares on the sacrifice fly to put Wabash in front 3-2.
Both teams were retired in order in the eighth inning before the Grizzlies produced a rally of their own in the final inning. Nick Stoia led off with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, but was thrown out at third on a ground ball to Pennington at shortstop. A single by Travis Lee put runners at first and second with two away ahead of Johnson's game-winning hit.
Wabash trailed 1-0 before picking up two runs in the fifth inning on back-to-back RBI singles by Pennington and Coggins. The Grizzlies tied the score a pitch was ruled to hit Alex Boone with the bases loaded.
Pennington went 3-for-5 with one RBI, while Coggins had two RBI for the afternoon. David Seibel had two of the Little Giants' nine hits. Wabash stranded eight base runners in the contest.
Luke Zinsmaster took the loss after pitching an inning and allowing two runs and three hits. Keegan Leckrone and Brian Van Duyn each worked three innings, while Andrew Swart threw for two innings, as the three starting pitchers got some mid-week work before heading into North Coast Athletic Conference play this weekend. Leckrone was nearly perfect, allowing just one walk while striking out three. Van Duyn gave up one earned run and two total with two walks and two strikeouts. Swart surrendered two hits and two walks with three strikeouts.
The Little Giants (4-9) open NCAC play this weekend with a four-game set at Ohio Wesleyan University. The first of two seven-inning doubleheaders begins Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in Delaware, Ohio.