LA CROSSE — A rule interpretation from a game played Thursday night has put the Central High School baseball team on top of the MVC standings.
The RiverHawks (3-0, 2-0 MVC) weren’t even involved in the situation, which arose during a doubleheader between Aquinas and Holmen at Lee Gilbert Field.
The Vikings won the first game 8-7 in eight innings before the second game was called due to darkness after the top of the seventh inning. The timing is central to the story because the Vikings scored three runs in the top of the seventh to take a one-run lead.
Aquinas coach Mike Dee said that he and Holmen coach Andy Palmer agreed before the game to play to completion even if that included picking it up another day if darkness interfered.
MVC commissioner Ben Leibl concluded Friday that NFHS rules call for a game that has completed five innings to be deemed complete, and that rule superceded the agreement. The rule also dictates that the final score be determined after the final completed inning.
That means the Blugolds (4-1, 3-1 MVC) are credited with a 4-2 victory over the Vikings (4-2, 3-1), and the teams are tied for second place behind Central.
Aquians scored all of its runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to overcome Holmen’s 2-0 lead that was built in the first and second.
A two-out single by catcher Ryan Johnson put two runners on before right fielder Connor Benz singled to right field to plate left fielder Landon Teachout.
A walk loaded the bases for junior shortstop Jonny Deets, who cleared them with a double to center.
First baseman Joe Meeter was 2 for 2, and center fielder Mason Flury and Chris Holmes each drove in a run for the Vikings.
Aedan David allowed two earned runs on three walks and eight hits while striking out two for Aquinas. Holmes allowed no earned runs on five walks and three hits while striking out four for Holmen.
