By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
FOLEY — The Ariton Purple Cats came within one out of securing a hard-fought win Tuesday, but a late surge by Chelsea ended in a walk-off 10-9 loss at Foley High School.
Ariton appeared in control heading into the final inning, holding a 9-8 advantage, before Chelsea delivered the decisive blow in the bottom of the seventh. With runners on base, Luke Neill ripped a double that drove in two runs and sealed the comeback victory for the Hornets.
The Purple Cats started strong offensively, jumping out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. Easton Kilpatrick set the tone with a two-run double down the left field line, and Conner Davidson followed with a run-scoring single to push Ariton ahead.
Chelsea responded in the third inning, highlighted by a game-tying home run from Neill that evened the score at 4-4.
Ariton regained momentum in the fourth inning. Wells Ganey worked a bases-loaded walk to bring in a run, and Kilpatrick delivered again with a towering home run to left field that extended the lead to 8-4.
Kilpatrick led Ariton’s offense with a standout performance, finishing 2-for-4 with five RBIs. Bryce Odom and Bryson Rhett also contributed with two hits each, helping the Purple Cats tally 10 hits in the contest. Ganey showed patience at the plate, drawing three walks as part of a seven-walk team effort. On the bases, Brodie Lowery swiped two bags, and Ariton totaled four stolen bases overall.
On the mound, Davidson got the start for Ariton, striking out six over 3⅓ innings while allowing five runs, four of them earned. Chelsea’s Cooper Morgan earned the win in relief, working six innings and allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out four.
Chelsea’s offense proved relentless, collecting 16 hits on the day. Neill powered the lineup with a 4-for-5 performance and five RBIs. Several Hornets recorded multiple hits, contributing to the late-game push that ultimately turned the tide.
With the loss, which is rare for the Purple Cats, who are 14-5 for the season, Ariton will look to bounce back in its next matchup on the road against Magnolia.
