Western Boone Jr. - Sr. High School

A dramatic finish left Western Boone’s junior varsity squad on the wrong side of a 14–13 decision as Sheridan delivered a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday. Despite outhitting Sheridan 11–7, Western Boone couldn’t hold off a late surge in a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest that stretched into extra innings of late-night baseball. Western Boone struck first in the third inning when Keyes drove in a run on a groundout. Sheridan quickly answered, scoring five runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 5–1 lead. The Stars fought their way back and surged ahead in the sixth, plating five runs on four hits to seize a 10–9 advantage. Whiteley delivered the key hit of the inning, ripping a full-count double to bring in a run. However, a defensive miscue in the bottom of the frame allowed Sheridan to even the score at 10. Western Boone regained control in the seventh. Bloss worked a bases-loaded walk to push across a run, and Caraballo followed with an RBI single to extend the lead to 13–10. Sheridan responded yet again, rallying to tie the game in the bottom of the inning after a collision play at first base and force extras. After two scoreless innings, Sheridan sealed the win with a walk-off base hit in the ninth. Shirley provided solid relief for Western Boone, pitching 3⅔ innings while allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits. He struck out seven and walked four. Rausch started on the mound, surrendering five runs (three earned) over three innings, with six strikeouts and five walks. At the plate, Western Boone showed depth and discipline. Masyn Hoskins had his best game as a Star and led the way from the No. 7 spot in the lineup, going 3-for-4. Caraballo drove in two runs, while Keyes and Shirley each recorded multiple hits. Rausch reached base three times via walks and scored four runs overall in the game. Western Boone also demonstrated aggressive baserunning, swiping 11 bases in the game, with Caraballo, Hoskins, and Bloss each recording multiple steals. Bloss had 5 of those 11. As a team, the Stars drew 13 walks, showcasing a patient approach at the plate. Western Boone saw 5 different pitchers in the game.....7 players for the Stars, Keyes, Whiteley, Rausch, Bloss Hoskins and Mathews each had an RBI. Carballo had 2. The young JV team is showing a lot of fight, losing by only 1 run each in the last 3 games, proving they can compete. Western Boone will look to rebound Saturday when it hosts Tri-West in a JV- Varsity double header.