Toppers lose to Decatur LSA in extra innings

[April 14, 2014]  MOUNT PULASKI — Mount Pulaski Toppers third baseman Blake Collier had a perfect day Saturday, going 5-5 with two doubles, three singles and a walk. Unfortunately, the Toppers suffered a 14-13 loss to Decatur LSA.

The Toppers quickly jumped on the scoreboard in the first, scoring three runs, but LSA would answer back with seven first-inning runs of their own.

Mount Pulaski pitching was solid throughout the next four innings, with starting pitcher Brett Huff and Jordan Luczaj holding the Lions scoreless throughout. Meanwhile, the Toppers would come up big in the third inning with five runs and jump in front with a 8-7 lead.

Both teams continued to battle all afternoon in the wind, and going to the bottom of the seventh inning, the Toppers would be ahead 12-10, but not for long. LSA tied the game at 12-12 and forced extra innings.

After a scoreless eighth inning for both teams, Blake Collier would double in the top of the ninth and come around to score, putting the Toppers on top 13-12. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth and runners on second and third for LSA, a base hit to left field would be the dagger in the Toppers' hearts.

With a hard-fought ballgame all the way, the Toppers walked away defeated by a final of 14-13.

For the Toppers, Blake Collier led the offense with five hits and three RBIs, followed by Jordan Luczaj with two hits and two RBIs. Caleb Pryzkopanski also chipped in two hits and an RBI. Michael Lowery, Beau Collier and Brett Huff each added a hit on the afternoon to round out the Toppers' offense.

The Toppers as a team are batting .316, and junior Blake Collier leads the Toppers with a .625 batting average.

Blake Collier suffered the loss in relief for Mount Pulaski.

Mount Pulaski's record is now even at five wins and five losses.

The Toppers will play at Maroa-Forsyth on Monday afternoon at 4:30 and return home to play Cerro-Gordo on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

[By TEENA LOWERY]