Green City Rally Falls Short in Quarterfinal Loss to Platte Valley
Green City overcame an early 4-0 deficit, but Platte Valley got the last laugh as they defeated the Gophers 5-4 in a Class 1 Quarterfinal Wednesday night. Platte Valley scored four runs on three hits in the bottom of the second inning to grab control. However, the Gophers responded with three runs in the top of the fourth to get back in the game. Then with two outs in the top of the fifth, Ty Hall hit a double to center field to extend the inning to Aaron Peavler.
Colin Schowe with the call on KTCM 97.3 and centralmoinfo.com. The tie was short-lived as Memphis Bliley led off the bottom of the inning with a single. He advanced to second on an errant pickoff throw and to third on a wild pitch. He then scored on a throwing error by third basemen Noah Tipton. Bliley responded on the mound by retiring the final six Gophers he faced to earn the complete game victory. Green City coach Dale Whitacre said he liked the way his team responded to the early deficit.
The Gophers outhit Platte Valley 6-5. Hall led the way going 2-3 with a double, a single and two runs scored. Whitacre said Hall was one of several sophomores that stepped up throughout the season for the Gophers.
The Gophers were hampered by four errors in the contest. Sophomore Thaydon Forrest pitched the first three innings allowing four runs on four hits. Hall suffered the loss in relief allowing one unearned run on one hit and one walk. Whitacre said he liked the effort both pitchers gave.
The Gophers conclude the season with a record of 16-7. Meanwhile, Platte Valley improves to 19-2 and advances to its second straight Class 1 Semifinal. Platte Valley coach Zach Dyer said they’re prepared for the return trip to state.
Platte Valley finished fourth in Class 1 last season. They’ll face Community in the semifinal round Monday at 1 pm in Ozark. You can hear full postgame interviews online at centralmoinfo.com.
Green City coach Dale Whitacre
Platte Valley coach Zach Dyer