Box Score AUBURNDALE, Fla. — A three-run homer in the sixth inning proved decisive as Lawrence Tech dropped a 6-3 decision to Valley City State in neutral-site action in Florida.
The Blue Devils trailed 2-1 entering the sixth before Valley City State opened up the game with a three-run frame, capped by a three-run shot to left that pushed the deficit to 5-1. Lawrence Tech answered immediately in the bottom half, scoring twice to pull within 5-3 and bring the tying run to the plate, but could not complete the comeback.
Valley City State struck early against Blue Devils starter Max Coughlin, using an double and a passed ball to scratch across a run in the top of the first. In the second, they added a solo home run to left to make it 2-0. Lawrence Tech manufactured its first run in the bottom of the second when Bobby Rhodes swiped home to cut the margin to 2-1 and keep the Blue Devils within striking distance through the middle innings.
The game turned in the top of the sixth. After Valley City State put two aboard, a three-run homer to left, stretch the lead to 5-1. Lawrence Tech responded with one of its best offensive sequences of the game in the bottom half. Pinch-hitter Rex Dingman came off the bench and lined an RBI single to left to score Braden Lewis, and Brady Lee followed with a sacrifice fly that plated Drew Schornak, trimming the deficit back to 5-3.
Valley City State added an insurance run in the seventh on a ground out that brought home a run for a 6-3 advantage. From there, the Blue Devils continued to apply pressure on the base path — finishing with eight stolen bases on the day and drawing six walks — but stranded eight runners as Valley City State's bullpen recorded the key outs down the stretch.
Lawrence Tech's offense was limited to five hits but showed depth off the bench, highlighted by Dingman's 1-for-1 line with an RBI and a hit-by-pitch as a pinch hitter. The Blue Devils also received multiple innings out of reliever Donovan Sayyae, who made his second appearance of the trip and worked 3.0 innings with two strikeouts while allowing three runs and issuing one walk and two hit batters.
Valley City State struck out nine over 5.0 innings while allowing two earned runs. Reliever closed the door in the ninth with a scoreless inning to secure the 6-3 final. The Blue Devils will look to build on their aggressive base-running and late-inning response as they continue their season March 14 in Utica, Mich. at UWM Field against University of Northwestern Ohio.
