By Max Clifford
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
In Milton on Wednesday, starting pitcher Alex Hee delivered a remarkable performance for Walpole Varsity Baseball. Despite trailing 2-1 entering the seventh inning, Hee's two-run, five-hit complete game effort seemed insufficient. However, the Timberwolves' offense awakened just in time, scoring three runs in the final frame to secure a 4-2 victory.
After being retired in order during the first inning, Walpole seized the lead in the second. Senior catcher Corey Kilroy kickstarted the inning with a leadoff double and subsequently scored on Will Hendricks' groundout fielder's choice.
Hee encountered his first challenge of the day in the second inning but skillfully dispatched three consecutive batters after allowing the leadoff hitter to reach third. However, he struggled to escape the third inning unscathed, conceding a run on consecutive doubles to open the frame. The Wildcats added another run, taking a 2-1 lead.
Milton threatened to score in each of the following three innings, placing runners in scoring position. Nonetheless, Hee navigated through these tense situations, preventing the Wildcats from adding to their tally.
Entering the final inning, Walpole required at least one run to level the game and two to take the lead. The rally commenced with Kilroy drawing a leadoff walk. Hendricks, representing the potential go-ahead run, reached first base due to catcher's interference.
With runners on first and second, Hee helped his own cause by executing a bunt as a pinch hitter, advancing the potential winning runs into scoring position. Paul Wheelan loaded the bases with a walk, and Michael Corrigan delivered Walpole's first RBI since the second inning with a base hit to right field.
With the bases still loaded, Logan Keyes capitalized on some small ball, driving in the go-ahead run with a groundout fielder's choice. During the subsequent at-bat, Wheelan crossed the plate on a balk, extending the Timberwolves' lead to 4-2.
In the bottom of the seventh, Hee showcased his mastery, inducing a flyout from the leadoff batter before recording his sixth and seventh strikeouts of the game, retiring the side in order.
With a 10-7 record, Walpole has solidified its place in the MIAA Division I playoffs. The Timberwolves will hit the road once again to face Wellesley at 4:00 pm on Monday, May 22.
