Grant Howard slammed a double to deep left field and drove in three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead the Junction City Brigade to a 7-6 win over the Baldwin City Blues. The walk-off win came before more than 500 fans in the season opener for the two teams Friday night.
Howard came to the plate with the bases full and said later he was not nervous. " I just know no moment too big, too small for me. I was in the right spot at the right time and hit the ball hard." He credited the three hitters ahead of him for getting on base as well.
Junction City led 4-1 in the eighth inning before Baldwin City rallied for four runs t0 take the lead. Brady Stuewe started and game Junction City six good innings on the mound. He gave up only one run.
Fans at Rathert Field enjoyed a fireworks display after the game. The two teams play a doubleheader Saturday in Baldwin City.