Buckeye JV rallies from five-run deficit to beat Midview 12-5 behind Mooney's four-hit day
Buckeye Junior Varsity erased a five-run deficit with a seven-run sixth inning and pulled away for a 12-5 win over Midview on Friday at Midview High School, turning the game decisively with late offense and a standout performance from Jae Mooney.
Mooney went 4 for 5 and helped drive the comeback, singling in the first inning, singling again in the fifth, then doubling in both the sixth and seventh. Her two-run double in the seventh was one of the key blows as the Bucks added five insurance runs after taking control a frame earlier.
Buckeye trailed 5-0 entering the fifth before beginning to chip away, then flipped the game in the top of the sixth. The Bucks scored seven runs on three hits in that inning to move in front 7-5. The biggest play of the rally came on a Midview error that brought home two runs, part of an inning that changed the tone of the game after Buckeye had spent much of the afternoon trying to catch up.
The Bucks were not finished. In the seventh, Buckeye scored five more times on two hits. One run came home on a fielder's choice off the bat of McNamee. Mooney followed with her two-run double, Abby Haun was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in another run, and Mackenzie Anderson added an RBI double to cap the scoring.
Anderson also handled the work in the circle, going the distance over seven innings. She allowed 10 hits and five runs, two earned, while striking out five and walking none. That steady outing gave Buckeye a chance to rally, even after Midview built its early lead. Defensively, limiting free passes proved important, as the Bucks did not give Midview any extra baserunners by walk.
Buckeye added pressure throughout the game with patience and speed. The Bucks drew five walks and stole seven bases. Faith Kapelle and Kelsey Willis each had multiple steals as Buckeye kept forcing action on the bases. Midview finished with 10 hits, but Buckeye's late surge decided the game. The Bucks are scheduled to host Archbishop Hoban JV on Saturday in their next game.
