BASEBALL: Late PCHS mistakes lead to comeback rally for Redbirds

A six-run sixth inning lifted West Frankfort to a 7-4 home win over Pinckneyville in non-conference baseball action on Wednesday, as errors and walks cost the Panthers a win late in the ball game.

PCHS broke a 1-1 tie with three runs in the top of the fifth inning on base hits by Nolan Luke, Clayton Houghland, Trent Hicks and Justin Bauersachs, but the Redbirds were far from finished.

After five strong innings from Bigham on the mound to start the game, Panthers Hicks and Houghland got in a mess in the bottom of the sixth with a combined three walks and two errors behind them on defense leading to a big crooked number on the scoreboard for West Frankfort.

Pinckneyville brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the seventh with one out, but couldn't get anyone across.

Luke (1-2, R, RBI, BB, SAC), Houghland (2-4, R), Hicks (1-4, 2 RBI), Bauersachs (1-4), Miles Chandler (1-2, R, BB, SAC) and Jacob Louis (1-3, R, BB) hit safely for the Panthers in defeat.

Bigham gave up one run on three hits, three walks and two hit batters with nine strikeouts as the PCHS starter.

Pinckneyville (9-18) hosts Marissa on Thursday.