NORTH EAST - A three-run home run in the seventh pulled CCBC-Essex over the finish line, as the Knights down Cecil 12-9 to take game two.

The visitors grabbed an early 8-0 lead over the Seahawks to begin the game. Cecil slowly clawed back into the game over the next few innings and eventually trailed 8-6 after five.

A fielding error by the Seahawks made it 9-6 in favor of the Knights to kick off the sixth. Cecil's offense responded in the bottom of the frame with three runs, with a wild pitch scoring Kenny Scottborgh to tie the game.

Freshman Chad Francis, who stepped onto the mound in relief and stabalized the Seahawks defense, battled through the seventh before giving up a three-run home run to the Knights in seventh for a 12-9 lead. Austin Keefer took over from there, hurling back-to-back strikeouts to quiet the visitors. His efforts proved to be in vain, as the Seahawks went down after four batters to end the contest.

Box Score Highlights

• Franco Riposo topped the Seahawks with two hits
• Justin Weaver and Kevin Gamber each homered
• Christian Crutch tripled for his lone hit

Up Next

Cecil faces Anne Arundel at home on April 14.