MOUNT VERNON — Two days. Same opponent. Same promising start. Same disappointing finish.
Riley Swanson hit a lead-off home run for the second straight game. However, once again, the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets gave up their lead in a 5-2 loss to Ohio Capital Conference rival Watkins Memorial.
Mount Vernon head coach Matt Smith was at a loss to explain what happened.
“The game of baseball can change at the drop of a hat,” Smith said. “When you don’t score when given the opportunity, then you put yourself in a situation where every play is crucial.”
The Jackets (9-7, 6-4 OCC) had things under control early. Riding the momentum of its early 1-0 lead, Mount Vernon loaded the bases in the second inning with just one out. A passed ball scored Brandon Dobbs from third and sent runners to second and third. But that would be as far as those runners would get; Swanson struck out looking, and Shawn Maxwell grounded out to third.
That would be the last good chance the Jackets would get. Only one more time would a Mount Vernon baserunner reach second.
