Yellow Jackets Lose to Frisco Wakeland 4-3 in 9 Innings as Defense Falters

Rockwall opened the playoffs on Thursday losing to Frisco Wakeland 4-3 in extra innings.

 

Senior pitcher Thomas Anderson pitched all nine innings for the Jackets and got the hard luck loss. Anderson recorded 9 strikeouts. Willie Schwanke got the win in relief for Wakeland.

 

Rockwall jumped on Wakeland starter Hayden Nixon in the 2nd inning for two early runs on four hits. Left fielder Corey Mills and designated hitter Tucker Fielder both singled. First baseman Hunter Wade singled to score Mills and third baseman Dustin Angiel drove a liner to center to plate Fielder.

 

Frisco tied the game in the 3rd inning. Following an errant throw to first by second baseman Skyler Bean that allowed runners to move up, Frisco scored one on a sacrifice by centerfielder Swanner. They knotted the game at two when Swanke, who had reached base on the error, scored on a wild pitch.

 

Frisco took the lead in the fourth on singles by 2nd bagger Swanner and rightfielder Henrick.

 

Nixon and Schwanke were in control the rest of the game. The game stayed at 3-2 until the top of the 7th. In the 7th for Rockwall, first baseman Hunter Wade doubled. Schwanke struck out pinch hitter Mason Holley and walked Skyer Bean. Following a fly out to center by Spencer Edwards, Schwanke appeared ready to close out the game for Frisco.

 

Catcher Steve Bean worked the count full before hitting a routine ground ball to shortstop Sean McCracken. McCracken made a wild throw to first allowing Wade to score tieing the game at 3-3 and leading to what would be a 9 inning game.

 

Schwanke was overpowering in the 8th and 9th, striking out the side in the 8th.

 

In the bottom of the 9th, another lapse on defense by Rockwall allowed Frisco to put the winning run in scoring position.

 

After a pop out to first base, centerfielder Swanner hit a clean single to rightfield. Rightfielder Chris Colacecchi couldn't pick up the slow roller. He kicked the ball away allowing Swanner to advance to 2nd base.

 

First baseman Nixon singled putting runners on 1st and 3rd. Rockwall coach Jeff Payne elected to intentionally walk the next batter to load the bases.

 

With a 1-1 count, Henrick executed a suicide squeeze bunt scoring Swanner from third to put Wakeland up 4-3 ending the game.

 

Game 2 is Friday night at 7:30pm again being played at Wylie High School.

 

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