Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

LEESBURG — Sometimes even your best doesn’t work.
The Coal Grove Hornets turned in a strong effort and pitcher Sam Angelo had a solid performance, but it wasn’t enough as they lost 5-3 to the Fairfield Lions in the Division IV sectional tournament on Tuesday.
Angelo pitched a six-hitter, struck out four and walk one. He threw 92 pitches — 61 for strikes — and the Hornets’ defense made only two errors.
“That was probably the best game we’ve played all year and Sam threw a really good game,” said Hornets’ coach Dean Mader.
“It’s been a good group. They’ve been part of some of the most successful groups Coal Grove has ever had in baseball.”
The Hornets took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Tait Matney walked, took third on a hit by Jordan Case and then a wild pickoff throw to first allowed Matney to score.
Fairfield finally got three runs in the fifth and two in the sixth to take a 5-1 lead.
The Hornets didn’t quit as they rallied for two runs in the seventh.
Jeb Jones opened the inning with a double, Darin Bloomfield walked and Nate Harmon had an RBI single.
Evan Gannon reached on an error to load the bases and Matney walked to force in a run.
With two outs, Case hit a deep fly ball to centerfield to end the game.
“Jordan hit it well. If it falls in, that’s a real momentum swing and the game’s probably tied or we’re ahead,” said Mader.
Coal Grove 001 000 2 = 3 3 2
Fairfield 000 032 x = 5 6 2
Sam Angelo and Ben Compliment. Sam Buddelmeyer and Andrew Dingey. W-Buddelmeyer (K-10, BB-4). L-Angelo (K-4, BB-1). Hitting-CG: Jordan Case 1-4, Jeb Jones 1-3 2B, Nate Harmon 1-3 rbi; LF: Austin Setty 1-3 2B 2-rbi, Sam Buddelmeyer 1-2, Matthew Spears 1-3, Layne Morgan 1-3, Griffin Irvin 2-3.