From The Tribune

A nine-run rally in the bottom of the fourth inning led Seymour’s baseball team to a 9-6 comeback victory over Madison on a chilly Tuesday evening at American Legion Field.

A line-drive single to leftfield by senior Brayden Wilson began the high-scoring fourth, an inning that saw plate appearances from all nine Seymour hitters.

After singles by sophomores Vince Wilson and Aiden Darlage, designated hitter Skylar Cockerham walked, loading the bases for the Owls. Senior Brandon Hubbard then singled to left, scoring Vince Wilson and advancing Darlage to third.

Seymour scored two runs on a line drive single by pinch hitter Jack Vondielingen before a triple off the bat of centerfielder Charlie Longmeier scored two more, giving the Owls a 6-5 lead, their first of the contest.

Brayden Wilson’s second hit of the inning came with men on first and third. His deep line drive into the gap scored both runners, increasing Seymour’s advantage.

The Owls’ ninth and final run of the inning was driven in on a Vince Wilson single to right, which scored pinch runner Jounes Rodriguez. Vince Wilson ended the game with three hits, a run and one run batted in.

“We were down 5-0, then all of a sudden, things started to click,” Owls head coach Jeremy Richey said. “We got really hot. The great part about the nine runs was we hit the ball. We earned those runs, (Madison) didn’t give them to us. That’s a great response out of a young group. To go through the adversity that we have the last couple of days, it was great to put an inning like that together.”

Seymour’s offensive performance was highlighted by the hitting of Brayden Wilson, who was 3-for-4 with two singles, a double, and two RBI.

“Brayden stepped up,” said Richey. “I talked to him last night (after an 18-4 loss to Bedford North Lawrence) about expectations for a senior when things don’t go well. And the way he responded tonight was exactly what I wanted to see. And out of Brandon Hubbard, as well. We don’t have a lot of senior leadership, so the seniors we do have, we need them to step up.”

Seymour’s impressive offensive display was accompanied by the strong pitching performance of freshman Bret Perry, who recorded his first high school win while throwing a complete game.

Perry finished with three strikeouts, three walks, and two earned runs. Of his 88 pitches, 63 were strikes.

“He may be a freshman,” Brayden Wilson said, “but coach put him out there because he wanted to show the team what happens when you throw strikes. I was proud of how he kept his composure.”

Seymour’s defense was key to Perry’s success on the mound, especially in the infield. Second baseman Andrew Levine, third baseman Hubbard, and shortstop VonDielingen combined for 11 assists in support of Perry.

VonDielingen ended the game for the Owls with a double play, earning praise from his coach.

“He made some big energy plays for us,” said Richey. “He comes in and gets a big hit to score a couple runs, and make three or four nice defensive plays, tough plays on in-between hops. He earned some time tonight, that’s for sure.”

Tuesday’s bounce back victory boosted the Owls record to 5-4 on the season.

Seymour travels to Jennings County on Friday for a conference matchup against the Panthers.