CLU Gives Up Lead in 9th, Then Rallies to Beat Master’s, 7-6

Down to his last strike in the bottom of the ninth inning with two out in a 6-6 tie, Cal Lutheran freshman Danny Weis looked for a pitch to hit. His coach, Rich Hill, provided the inspiration.

“I was hoping Coach Hill would give me the green light,” Weis said. “When he did, I just let loose. I just went out and got it. It was a fastball, low and away.”

The ensuing two-strike double was Weis’ first game-winning hit and propelled the Kingsmen to a dramatic 7-6 victory over The Master’s College on Friday.

But it was visiting Master’s that provided the early drama. The Mustangs, trailing by two runs, came out swinging in the top of the ninth. They drew close, 6-5, on Craig Johnson’s run-scoring double, but with two out Master’s (0-4 overall, 0-2 in NAIA District 3 play) had to look for a light of its own.

Like Weis, Master’s third baseman Pete Wilson waved a magic bat, ripping a double to right field to tie the score.

This day, however, would have only one hero.

“I’m numb,” Weis said. “The whole thing feels like a dream.”

Hill offered a more specific game summary.

“Master’s played tough, you have to hand it to them,” he said. “In the future our team has to take advantage of run-scoring situations. Today, I’m just glad we escaped with a win.”

The victory, in fact, was Cal Lutheran’s first. The Kingsmen are 1-1 overall, 1-0 in district play.