McCook Juniors rally late to edge Cozad

McCook First Central Bank junior Matthew Van Pelt (above) has clearly stolen second base since the ball was bouncing near his right wrist Tuesday night.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook’s First Central Bank Juniors snagged a late lead and defeated Cozad Junior Reds 3-2 on Tuesday at the Jaycees Complex.

The game was tied 2-2 with McCook FCB Juniors 2019 batting in the bottom of the fifth when Isaac Hinze drew a bases-loaded walk, scoring Layne Stevens.

FCB (8-8 record) rallied from a 2-1 deficit and stretched its winning streak to six. The Juniors haven’t lost since June 8 when Waverly’s 9-6 victory dropped their record to 2-8.

The Cozad Reds nearly delivered their own great late comeback.

However, with a tying runner on base, Cozad’s batter lined one that McCook third baseman Joey Gonzales caught.

Gonzales calmly unleashed a throw to first base, doubling off the potential tying run.

Winning pitcher Carson Garcia then struck out Cozad’s final batter.

The pitching was strong on both sides. Carson Garcia struck out three, while Jacob Engel sat down six.

In the second inning, Cozad Reds got their offense started when Cooper Ray singled on a 2-2 count, scoring one run.

After Cozad Reds Jrs scored one run in the top of the fourth, McCook FCB Juniors answered with one of their own. Cozad Reds Jrs scored when an error scored its second run.

Matthew Van Pelt’s single and stolen base ignited the decisive FCB response.

Garcia went seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out three and walking one.

Tate Felber promptly dashed down the first-base line to complete an infield single.

With two outs, Colton Stevens walked to load those bases and really set up Cozad’s trouble.

Because an errant pitch promptly sent Van Pelt motoring home to make it 2-2.

Hinze’s walk scored Felber with the eventual game winner moments later.

Engel was on the mound for Cozad Reds Jrs. He allowed four hits and three runs over six innings, striking out six.

Stevens, Van Pelt, Hinze and Felber each managed one hit to lead McCook FCB Juniors 2019.

Eli Werner went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Cozad Reds Jrs in hits.

The Juniors are scheduled to play next at Ogallala Monday night.