The Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers are moving on after a thrilling 3-2 walk-off victory over the Ridgeview Mustangs in regional semifinal action.
Mt. Pulaski struck first in the opening inning when Aaron Volle ripped a triple to right field that brought home Chase Roberts for a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, Jaeden Jackson added an RBI single to left field to score Volle and extend the advantage to 2-0.
Ridgeview answered in the third inning after Ben Crowley reached on an error that allowed Cole Kennedy to score and cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Mustangs tied the game in the sixth inning when Cole Kennedy delivered an RBI single to score Carter Beck and make it 2-2.
The game remained tied heading into the bottom of the ninth inning before the Hilltoppers delivered the final blow. Aaron Volle hit a hard ground ball into center field that allowed Luke Martin to score the winning run after an error on the play, giving Mt. Pulaski the dramatic 3-2 victory.
Mt. Pulaski pitching was outstanding throughout the night, striking out 15 Ridgeview hitters. Carter Clark started the game with six strikeouts over four innings, while Aaron Volle and Luke Martin combined to shut things down late. Martin earned the win after tossing the final three innings.
Ridgeview finished with six hits in the loss, with Ben Crowley collecting a double and Landon Ludwig, Aiden Neuhaus, Wyatt Cavinder, Cole Kennedy, and Alec Harper each adding hits.
Mt. Pulaski totaled five hits, led by Aaron Volle with two hits, including a triple, and two RBIs.
Top Performers:
- Aaron Volle (Mt. Pulaski): 2-for-5, triple, 2 RBIs
- Luke Martin (Mt. Pulaski): Winning pitcher, 3 IP, 0 ER, 3 strikeouts
- Carter Clark (Mt. Pulaski): 4 IP, 1 hit, 6 strikeouts
- Jaeden Jackson (Mt. Pulaski): RBI single
- Ben Crowley (Ridgeview): Double
- Cole Kennedy (Ridgeview): RBI single, run scored
- Landon Ludwig (Ridgeview): 6 IP, 2 ER, 10 strikeouts
With the win, Mt. Pulaski advances to the Regional Championship on Saturday at 11 a.m. where the Hilltoppers will face either Lutheran High or Heyworth.
#13 Aaron Volle walks it off for Mt.Pulaski after a Ridgeview error.
#8 Chase Roberts gets over to make the grab for Mt.Pulaski
#2 Preston Cowan with the grab and out for Mt.Pulaski
#2 Preston Cowan makes a great defensive play for Mt.Pulaski
#6 Jaeden Jackson with the RBI single for Mt.Pulaski
#13 Aaron Volle RBI triple for Mt.Pulaski