SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
SALINA, Kan. — Strong pitching was on display Friday, but Rock Creek came through with timely hits late to defeat McPherson 3-1 in eight innings in the Class 4A state baseball semifinals.
The Bullpups fall to 26-4 and will face Paola in the third place game.
McPherson broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth when Brock Richardson delivered an RBI single to plate the game's first run.
Rock Creek answered in the top of the seventh, tying the game on a fielder’s choice by Noah Valburg. The Mustangs then took the lead for good in the top of the eighth, scoring twice on a Donavan Debita RBI single and a sacrifice bunt by Valburg.
Ryker Zoeller earned the win for Rock Creek, tossing a complete game. He allowed just three hits and one unearned run over eight innings, striking out six and walking three.
Logan Beede took the loss for McPherson in relief. Starter Carter Allen was strong on the mound, giving up one run on three hits over 6 2/3 innings with four strikeouts.
Richardson went 2-for-3 to lead the Bullpups at the plate. Debita also had two hits for the Mustangs, while Valburg drove in two runs from the seven spot in the lineup.