WESSON – The Wesson Cobras saw their magical season come to an end Friday night falling to the St. Andrews Saints 6-5 in an 11-inning marathon in Game Three of the best-of-three series in the third round of the Class 3A State Baseball Playoffs.

“This was a heck-of-a-series,” said Wesson coach Seth Lofton. “Both teams battled hard in three games to see who will advance to the South State championship.

“Unfortunately, we came up on the short end,” continued Lofton. “Overall, I am extremely proud of the guys. They worked and fought hard throughout the season to get here and we had an amazing-fun season. I would like to also thank my seniors for their hard work and great leadership this season. They will be truly missed.”

The Cobras conclude their magical season with a 17-6 record overall. In Region 7-3A, Wesson won the division crown posting a 7-1 record.

St. Andrews 6, Wesson 5 

Wesson and St. Andrews baseball fans gathered at Cobras’ baseball field to witness a great battle to see who will advance to the Class 3A South State championship.

Both teams came out strong and did not disappoint their fans as they battled in an 11-inning marathon.

In the top of the first inning, St. Andrews struck first by securing an early 1-0 lead, but in the bottom of the first inning, the Cobras would answer the challenge and tie the contest at 1-all.

After scoreless defensive battle in the second inning, the Cobras managed to get hot offensively in the bottom of the third inning with a four-run surge to take control of the game at 5-1, which was sparked by Mack Smith’s three-run home run.

After a big third inning by the Cobras, the Saints’ defensive managed to keep Wesson scoreless through out the rest of the game.

In the top of the sixth inning, the Saints’ offense managed to break through Wesson’s tough defense and rally back plating four runs to tie the contest at 5-all and held off the Cobras in the bottom of the sixth and seventh inning to force extra innings.

The game remained tied until the top of the eleventh inning, when St. Andrews first baseman Chris Boyle hit a solo home run to start the inning to give the Saints a 6-5 lead.

In the bottom of the eleventh inning, the Cobras’ offense worked hard to tie or win the game, but failed to advance to runner from first base as the Saints recorded the final out.

Mack Smith suffered the setback on the mound for the Cobras with four strikeouts and no walks in five innings of relief. Tyler McLeod (4K, 3BB) started for Wesson and pitched six innings.

Bennie Kirkland was the winning pitcher for the Saints with 11 strikeouts and three walks in eight innings of relief. Alex Wilson (2K, 3BB) started for St. Andrews and pitched three innings.

Mack Smith was the top slugger at the plate for Wesson with a three-run home run. Max Daughdrill contributed a triple. Jimmie McQuage provided a double. Hitting safely was Tyler McLeod and Preston Middleton.

Chris Boyle powered the Saints offensive attack with a home run and a single. John Williams Hardwick contributed a double and a single. Ryan McCarthy ripped pair of singles. Graham Grogan and Kenny Bryson provided a double each. Alex Wilson and Mark McCullan hit safely.