One more improbable rally was just too much to ask of the Nicolet Knights baseball team on Friday.
A two-run charge in the sixth inning of Friday's WIAA Summer Baseball sectional final drew Nicolet even with West Bend West, but the Spartans scored the game-winner on a squeeze bunt in the seventh for a 4-3 win.
The Knights had come from behind in their last two games as a 10 seed, and nearly pulled out one more.
"Our guys definitely didn't feel like a 10 seed," said Nicolet coach Jason Grodsky. " We lost a lot of close games early in the year."
The rally began with a walk by Ben Henken. Nolan Wagner singled, then the bases loaded when Hunter Crass reached on a sacrifice bunt.
Alex Braun reached on a fielder's choice and and throwing error brought in a run. A wild pitch scored the tying run.
In the second, Zach Pagel scored Nicolet's first run on an error after hitting a double.
West Bend West begins play in the state finals at Kapco Park in Mequon on Friday.
Also see:
- Another Rally Capped Off With Trick Play in Nicolet Victory
- Sixth-Inning Rally Sends Nicolet Baseball to Sectional
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