Frontier Storms Back Late to Steal Road Win at LT
Coach Matt McCue reached a milestone with his 100th Bobcat win at FNB Field on April 7 against Lincoln Trail.
Coach Matt McCue reached a milestone with his 100th Bobcat win at FNB Field on April 7 against Lincoln Trail. In that game, the Bobcats rallied late for the victory. This time, FCC had to do it on the road—and once again, the Bobcats delivered in dramatic fashion.
Frontier rallied late to secure an 11-10 win over LT on Tuesday, overcoming a late deficit after building a five-run lead earlier in the contest. The Statesmen made things interesting down the stretch, closing the gap with a home run, double, and triple, but the Bobcats held on to complete the road win.
Gael Salinas led the way offensively for Frontier, collecting three hits in five at-bats. He singled in the first and fifth innings before delivering a clutch double in the ninth.
LT jumped out early in the bottom of the first inning with a pair of home runs, including a solo shot by Colin Wilbon.
FCC responded in the top of the fifth, taking the lead behind a strong offensive push. Kasey Lowe doubled to drive in a run, Salinas followed with an RBI single, and Jordan Carter added a two-run double to put the Bobcats in front.
The Statesmen answered in a big way in the bottom of the seventh, plating seven runs on six hits to take a 10-8 lead. The key moment came on a bases-clearing triple by Landen Smith.
Frontier refused to back down. In the top of the ninth, the Bobcats regained the lead as Salinas delivered an RBI double down the left field line and Carter followed with a sacrifice fly to bring home the go-ahead run.
Nate Stivers earned the win in relief for FCC, tossing one-third of an inning without allowing a hit or run while striking out one. Jonny Lee secured the save. Starter Braxton Mathews went six innings, allowing seven hits and four runs while striking out six and walking four. Caleb Boff and Miles Whitesell also provided relief.
The Bobcats finished with 14 hits on the day. Carter drove in a team-high three runs, going 2-for-4, while Salinas and Asa Dunlevey each recorded three hits. Josh French, Cam Napier, and Lowe also contributed multiple hits. Frontier was aggressive on the bases, swiping four stolen bases and turning one double play defensively.
LT matched Frontier with 14 hits. Gabe Wilke led the Statesmen with four RBIs, going 3-for-4. Wilbon added three hits, including two home runs, finishing 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Landen Smith, Bryce Brabender, and Jaxon Herrera each recorded multiple hits.
With the win, the Bobcats improve to 27-15 overall and 13-10 in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference. Frontier returns home Thursday to face Rend Lake at FNB Field, with first pitch set for 3 p.m. The game is weather permitting.
