Mid-Prairie fought back from a five-run deficit to pull within a run of West Branch during the conclusion of the district final on Monday, but the Golden Hawk comeback came up short in a 7-6 season-ending loss.

The Golden Hawks were without a hit, trailing 5-0 when play was suspended on Saturday due to lightning and thunderstorms. Coach Andy Greiner had 47 hours to think about the next three and a half innings.

“We felt like it was a reboot,” Greiner said.  “We got a second chance. I didn’t think that we were going to be competitive Saturday night. Eagle was doing a phenomenal job, he really got into his groove, and I didn’t like the way our kids were handling him at the plate, and it worked out that we had a chance to step back, take a deep breath, re-evaluate, recalibrate and then attack the second half.”

Trey Eagle had walked three and struck out five over the first three innings but did not allow a hit. He was unavailable on Monday due to IHSAA pitch count rules. 

Monte Slabaugh broke up the no-hitter with a one-out single in the fourth and scored on a single from Kayden Reinier.

In the fifth inning, Mid-Prairie loaded the bases with no outs and scored three runs, despite having just one hit in the inning. Slabaugh scored Keegan Gingerich with a fielder’s choice.

After a hit batter, Reinier reached on an error as Aidan Rath crossed the plate. Colton Hobbs drew a bases-loaded walk to cut the lead to 6-4.

However, for the second straight time, the inning ended with three Golden Hawks on base.

“The first time, you feel like ‘ah, that’s unfortunate,’” Greiner said. “The second time, I thought we were going to strike. Brad (Tornow)’s hitting .440 or whatever. Talk about right man, right spot… hat goes off to Paulsen there, he did a nice job, got the pop up there and got out of the inning.”

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