Sluggers' comeback falls just short

MUSKEGON, Michigan-- Flag City was in position to complete a major comeback at Muskegon Thursday.Despite trailing the Clippers 9-4 going to the eighth inning, the Sluggers mounted a rally, pushing across three runs in the eighth, then scored an unearned run in the ninth to cut the deficit to 9-8.With two outs and the tying run at second base, Flag City's Jovanny Skrelgia singled to left field. Jimmy LaForce attempted to score, but the throw home by Clippers LF, Zane Wilson nabbed LaForce at the plate and ended the game.The Sluggers had 15 hits in the game – 14 singles. Kaden Ford's double was Flag City's only extra base hit. The top two batters in the Sluggers' order – Brett Reed and Drew Tajblik – each had a singled and drove in two runs.Trenton Smith added three singles.Dalton Dick had three singles and drove in four runs for Muskegon. Maddox Kipling got the win for the Clippers, improving to 2-1 by going three scoreless innings in relief. Keagan Baugh – one of four pitcher the Sluggers used – started and went three innings, allowing five runs on six hits. But only two of the runs were earned. The Sluggers committed six errors in the loss; the Clippers had two.The Sluggers have lost three in a row and fell to 14-10 on the season.. Muskegon moved to 13-11.Flag City will be back in action today, and back at Marathon Diamonds, hosting the Hamilton Joes at 6:05 p.m. Flag City 020 200 031 – 8 15 6Muskegon 014 202 00X – 9 12 2WP – Kipling (2-1). LP – Baugh (1-1). TOP HITTERS: (FCS) Ford 2B, 1B; Reed 1B, 2-RBI; Tajblik 1B, 2-RBI; Smith 3-1B. (MC) Dalton Dick 3-1B, 4-RBI.