Mustang rally: Unity scores final three runs, Allen hits home run in victory over QHS

MENDON, Ill. — With postseason play beginning next week, the Unity baseball team sent a message to those in the Class 1A Brown County Sectional complex on Wednesday.

Don’t count the Mustangs out.

Quincy High School learned that lesson.

Unity scored twice in the bottom of the fifth inning to take the lead and Sawyer Allen’s solo home run to left field in the bottom of the sixth punctuated an 8-6 victory.

The Mustangs trailed 6-5 heading to the fifth when Skylor Goudschaal singled with one out and Carter Kasparie was hit by a pitch. After Nick Maynard walked to load the bases, the Blue Devils were unable cleanly field Elijah Parsons ground ball, and the error allowed two runs to score.

The first two batters reached safely for the Blue Devils in the top of the sixth, but a sacrifice bunt didn’t advance the runners as Owen Zanger was thrown out at third base. Mustangs right-hander Cody Shaffer worked out of the jam by striking out the next two batters.

Allen led off the bottom of the inning with his home run. Avery Frese relieved Shaffer in the seventh, and the Mustangs ended the game by turning a double play.

Shaffer earned the victory, striking out six and walking two over six innings. Only two of the six runs he allowed were earned. Frese had two of the Mustangs’ eight hits, while Allen drove in two.

Brady Lowe had two of the Blue Devils’ seven hits, while Blake Bunch hit a two-run home run.