SHERBURNE – A battle throughout the entire game, the top half of the seventh proved to be the winning inning for Norwich against the host Sherburne-Earlville Wednesday night. Norwich’s four runs in their final at-bats gave them the lead as they took to the field with a perfect season on the line.

Norwich’s pitcher Nolan Dodzweit forced Mitchell Winton into a double-play, ending the hopes of Sherburne-Earlville to comeback at the end.

After the first three innings of the game were scoreless between the two teams, Norwich took the first lead in the top of the fourth when Mike Hagen lined a shot to center field. Stealing second and third base, Blaine Orlando was in scoring position when Hagen made contact. Orlando crossed home plate for the first run of the game.

In the bottom half of the same inning, Brett Bates and the Marauders answered.

Bates saw just two pitches in his at-bat before sending a deep fly ball to right field. Ball soared over the fence for a three-run home run as Nick Ragonese and Blaine Blinebry were on base.

Bates’ rocket shot gave S-E a 3-1 lead heading into the fifth. Norwich, however, returned the favor.

Bases were juiced with Josh Willis was standing on third, Logan Ford waited at second and Orlando stationed at first. Hagen was at the plate. He watched ball one go by. The next pitch, however, was a different story.

Hagen ripped a line drive to center, sending Willis, Ford and Orlando home to score and the lead went back to Norwich, 4-3.

In a ping-pong like game, Sherburne-Earlville scored in bottom of the frame to once again tie the game.

Norwich scored in the sixth inning, the Marauders responded during their trip to the plate.

Angel Alizando singled in the top of the seven, sending both Orlando and Hagen home to score. Tyler Hagen also singled in the inning, his hit scoring two to give Norwich the 9-5 lead.