In 10 innings. (From Fulton) The Railroaders (17-11) narrowing escape with a win over the Bobcats (6-20) on Thursday.  Fulton gains a half game on idle Hoptown and is now one game back of the 1st place Hoppers.

     The only offensive highlight for the Railroaders was a 3 run homer by Michael Sillyman hit in the third inning giving Fulton a 3-0 lead.  The Bobcats scored one unearned run in the fourth inning.  Marion tied the game in the eighth inning with two more unearned runs with no hits and two Railroader errors.

     In the bottom of the tenth reliever Luke MccDonald walked the bases loaded, one intentional, with 2 outs.  On  a 3-1 count to Kyle Simmons at the plate, the next pitch was low and the winning walked in from third.

     The Railroaders put up 11 hits total but stranded 19 runners on base.  The Bobcats only managed 2 hits and left 7 on base.

     Fulton's starter Garret Ring went 8 innings for the 2 hits allowed, tagged for the unearned runs, walked 4 and struck out 8 batters, no decision. Caleb Shelly and Ryan Skoubo each threw for the final two innings with Skoubo earning the win.

     Marion's starter Tyler Simmons managed 5 1/3 innings getting hit 8 times, giving up 3 earned runs, 5 walks and 5 strikeouts.  Luke MacDonald went 4 1/3 and takes the loss.