ONEONTA – For the second time this season, Norwich trailed their opponent for more than one inning of play. However, the team kept their record untouched as they came back in the sixth with four runs to capture the lead and the Otsenango League Championship over Cobleskill Tuesday with a final of 11-9.

Like they have done in almost every game this season, Norwich scored in the first inning of play to lead 2-0. Something they haven’t witnessed is their opponent scoring more than them in the same inning.

Cobleskill tacked on five runs in the bottom half of the inning, taking a 5-2 lead. Norwich did respond by adding two runs to their tally but Cobleskill extended their lead. At the end of two innings, Cobleskill held a 8-4 lead over Norwich.

In their next plate appearance, Norwich scored three but it was not enough to take over the lead as they still trailed by one run.

Over the next two and a half frames, both teams were held scoreless and the score remained at 8-7 in favor of Cobleskill.

The top of the sixth was a different story for Norwich.

Blaine Orlando was facing two outs with his teammates Logan Ford and Kaden Collins on the base paths. Seeing just two pitches, Orlando sent a line drive to right field to load up the bases for Torin Lawerence.

Needing just one pitch to make contact on the ball, Lawrence hit a hard ground ball. While he reached on an error by Cobleskill’s shortstop, Ford scored from third to tie the game at 8-8.

Norwich took the lead back when Tyler Hagen drew a walk, sending Collins across home plate. The bases were still loaded following Hagen’s walk as he stood on first, Lawrence advanced to second and Orlando advanced to third.

Jordan Jacquette stepped to the plate for what would be his at-bat of the contest. He made it count as he drilled a fly ball to right field. On the hit, Orlando and Lawerence scored, giving Norwich the 11-8 lead.

Hagen was caught stealing home to end the four-run rally for Norwich in the top half of the sixth.

Cobleskill put pressure on in the bottom half of the frame but was unable to score any runs. In their final trip to the plate, they scored one run but their chances of gaining any extra runs was ended when Mike Hagen fielded the ball to pick up the final out of the game.

“What a game,” said Norwich head coach Greg Bates. “Hats off to Cobleskill as they played a heck of a game. Both teams hit the ball well from start to finish. These kind of games are why people come to watch baseball.”

“This was an amazing team win and an amazing season. My guys showed a lot of heart tonight and had a never-quit attitude – even being down 8-4 at one point. They kept their heads up and kept pushing. I’m extremely proud of my guys and the way they never gave up.”

Lawerence started on the hill for Norwich. He allowed five runs on five hits, walking one. His teammate Josh Willis earned the win, pitching for six and a third innings while allowing four runs on six hits. He struck out three batters.

Trey Bates and Nolan Dodzweit entered the game in relief and helped to close out the game.

Derek Hotzler took the loss for Cobleskill. He surrendered 11 runs on 14 hits over five and two-thirds innings, striking out five.