Franklin County's Graysen McNeese swings at a pitch in this file photo from earlier in the season. McNeese had a hit and an RBI for the Rebels Thursday in their 3-1 loss at Columbia Central High School.
Franklin County's Graysen McNeese swings at a pitch in this file photo from earlier in the season. McNeese had a hit and an RBI for the Rebels Thursday in their 3-1 loss at Columbia Central High School.
The Franklin County Rebels lost to the Columbia Central Lions 3-1 on the road Thursday for their ninth loss of the season.
The Rebels scored their lone run in the top of the first and led for most of the day, but the Lions put up three runs in the fifth inning to pull ahead for the rest of the contest.
The Rebels loaded the bases with one out in the top of the first as Casen Gilliam doubled and Gus Gardner and Brayden Henley both drew walks. Graysen McNeese then hit an RBI single to score Gilliam and give the Rebels a quick 1-0 advantage.
The Rebels loaded the bases again in the top of the fourth as a Sam Vincent double was sandwiched in between Taylor Austin and Gilliam getting hit by pitches, but a strikeout ended the frame before any of the runners could score.
The Lions broke through for three runs in the bottom of the fifth with two of those scores coming with two outs in the inning to put Franklin County behind late.
Gilliam reached base on an error in the top of the seventh to bring the potential tying run to the plate, but the next three batters were retired in order as the Rebels lost by two.
Gilliam pitched a complete game for Franklin County with four strikeouts, six hits, two walks and three runs allowed.
With the loss, the Rebels moved to 5-9 on the season.
They will next play Friday at Marshall County High School. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
