Knights’ win streak snapped; playoff hopes still linger
Hiwassee Dam – Entering the final road game of the season Monday, Robbinsville held all the cards.
Winners of their last four, the Black Knights traveled to Hiwassee Dam and looked to extend both the successful streak and their postseason hopes, as Robbinsville (7-10, 4-7) went into the affair on the bubble for its first playoff berth in over a decade.
Now, a lot of variables will have to shake out for the Knights to continue playing next week, as Hiwassee Dam (6-11, 4-7) would defeat Robbinsville 8-7.
The hosting Eagles had scored its first seven runs across the first and second innings, with the latter effort overcoming a four-run second from Robbinsville, which temporarily put the Black Knights ahead.
Down to their last three outs, the Knights tied the game at 7 when Graylen Orr smacked a single to drive in Alex Knight.
But Seth Hooper would charge home on a wild pitch in the bottom of the seventh to seal the victory for the Eagles.
Graylen Orr had a two-hit, three-RBI afternoon to lead the Knights’ offense. Christian Phillips also connected for two hits, which netted two Robbinsville runs.
Knights hurlers Carson White and Graylen Orr combined to strike out 11 Hiwassee Dam batters in the loss.
Another sweep
Andrews – The Knights had little trouble in their second outing against the Wildcats on Friday.
After pulling out an 8-7, extra-inning win over the Cats on April 25, Robbinsville trekked to Cherokee County and – behind a complete-game effort from Kade Garrison – handed Andrews (0-11, 0-10) an 8-1 loss.
Kade only surrendered six hits and struck out eight Wildcats, while collecting an RBI in the victory. Robbinsville’s offense did all of its damage across the first three innings – chasing starter Braxton Ricketts after just two innings logged. Phillips would collect a team-best two RBI for the Black Knights, with Lathan Buchanan also recording a multi-hit afternoon.
Failed rally
Cherokee – The Knights survived a scare in a make-up game April 27, but ultimately prevailed 7-6.
Robbinsville’s bats went silent after the fourth, but the combined effort of Graylen Orr, Ethan Orr and Kade Garrison prevented Cherokee (3-13, 3-9) from rallying late. The Braves peppered four runs across the fourth, sixth and seventh innings, but a groundout to Knight at third base squandered the Braves’ comeback bid.
Both Graylen Orr and Patterson drove in two runs, while Graylen and Turpin each strung together multi-hit afternoons.