Valley Sports ReportATHENS — Athens took advantage of seven errors — the final one a back-breaker for Southern Tioga — in a come-from-behind, 9-8, win here Wednesday night in the winner's bracket finale of the District 15 Little League Baseball Minors Division playoffs.
Athens now awaits the winner of Thursday's consolation finals game between Towanda and Southern Tioga for a championship game match-up on Sunday.
Athens scored four runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a 4-0 lead, but Southern Tioga answered with three runs in the top of the third to close the gap to 4-3.
Athens seemingly took control with two runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 6-3 lead, but Southern Tioga scored five runs, thanks to a pair of key Athens errors to surge ahead, 8-6.
In the bottom of the sixth, Athens tied the game with two runs coming on a two-out throwing error, then got the walk-off win one pitch later on a passed ball.
Rocco Powers had two hits and scored one run, and Colson Bishop singled and drove in one run to account for Athens' three hits.
Jett Raupers and Hudson Glielmi each scored two runs in the win, while Jorey Raupers and Cooper Bridal each scored one run and drove in one run, Witten Altieri and Reed Swingle each had one RBI, and Moyer Campbell and Holden Zuckerman each crossed the plate once.
Jorey Raupers got the start for Athens, and allowed three runs — two earned — on two hits, with five strikeouts and four walks in 2 2/3 innings.
Bishop earned four runs — two earned — on two hits, while striking out six and walking none in 2 2/3 innings of relief.
Jett Raupers earned the win, allowing an unearned run on one hit, with two strikeouts in one inning.
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PHOTOS BY LANCE LARCOM.
