(KNSI) – Rox players and their fans needed nerves of stone to navigate a rollercoaster Great Plains Championship Game Tuesday night at Joe Faber Field.
St. Cloud lost a three-run lead and a four-run advantage at different points in the contest, eventually finding themselves down one headed to the bottom of the ninth. Oscar Serratos, Jr. was hit by a pitch and then raced around the base paths during the next at-bat, stealing second and third.
Noah Greise walked and stole second, and before there was an out in the inning, the Rox had the winning run in scoring position. Serratos, Jr. came home on a deep sacrifice fly off the bat of Michael McNamara to tie the game at eight.
Greise crossed the plate two batters later when Ben Vujovich singled to center field. A mob scene in shallow right ensued as the Rox celebrated advancing to the Northwoods League championship.
The Rox will play the winner of the Green Bay Rockers and Traverse City Pit Spitters. Those teams meet at 6:05 p.m. to decide the Great Lakes Division in northern Michigan.
Tickets are on sale for Friday’s title game. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. at Joe Faber Field.
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