Pugh’s Three RBIs, Late Rally Power Marshall to 9-8 Walk-Off Win Over Neoga

The Marshall varsity baseball team delivered a flair for the dramatic on Friday, erasing a late deficit with a two-run seventh inning to secure a 9-8 walk-off victory over visiting Neoga in a tightly contested non-conference matchup.

Marshall’s offense was fueled by the long ball, as the hosts blasted three home runs to stay competitive in a back-and-forth affair. Garrett Pugh anchored the lineup, putting together a stellar 2-for-4 performance that included a home run, a double, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Gavan Propst and Reed Ramey also showcased their power, each launching solo shots to help build Marshall’s run total.

The Lions jumped out of the gates quickly, erasing a 1-0 first-inning deficit by pushing across three runs in the bottom half of the frame. They added two more in the second inning to take an early 5-1 lead. However, Neoga refused to go quietly, responding with a massive four-run third inning to draw level.

The teams traded runs through the middle frames, setting up a tense finish. Trailing 7-6 entering the final inning, Neoga pushed across two runs in the top of the seventh to seize an 8-7 advantage and put Marshall’s backs against the wall. Unfazed, the Lions rallied in the bottom half. Supported by clutch hitting from B. Maskell—who finished the day 2-for-3 with two RBIs—Marshall executed under pressure, plating two runs to seal the thrilling 9-8 victory.

On the mound, Ramey earned the win after battling through four innings. He struck out five batters and navigated around six hits and six walks to keep Marshall within striking distance. Shane Tarble took the start, tossing the first three innings and allowing two earned runs on three hits while striking out a pair.

Offensively, Eli Thompson also enjoyed a multi-hit day for Marshall, going 2-for-3 to help sustain the relentless lineup pressure that ultimately cracked Neoga in the final frame.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Scoring Drives

• 1st Inning:

  • Neoga: Struck first with a single run to open the game.

  • Marshall: Responded immediately with three runs to take the lead.

• 2nd Inning:

  • Marshall: Plated two additional runs to extend their advantage to 5-1.

• 3rd Inning:

  • Neoga: Erupted for four runs to tie the ballgame at 5-5.

  • Marshall: Scored one run in the bottom of the frame to regain a slim lead.

• 5th Inning:

  • Marshall: Added a crucial insurance run.

• 6th Inning:

  • Neoga: Pushed across a run to draw within one, trailing 7-6.

• 7th Inning:

  • Neoga: Scored two runs in the top half of the inning to take an 8-7 lead.

  • Marshall: Rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh to claim a 9-8 walk-off victory.

Individual Statistics

• BATTING: Marshall – Garrett Pugh: 2-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R; B. Maskell: 2-3, 2 RBI, 1 R, 1 HBP; Eli Thompson: 2-3, 1 BB; Gavan Propst: 1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R; Reed Ramey: 1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R. Neoga – Team Totals: 9 H, 8 R, 1 HR.

• PITCHING: Marshall – Reed Ramey (W): 4.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 K, 6 BB; Shane Tarble: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 K, 2 BB. Neoga – Stats not provided.

• FIELDING: Marshall – .912 Fielding Percentage, 3 Errors, 34 Total Chances. Neoga – 2 Errors.

• BASERUNNING: Marshall – Eli Thompson: 1 SB; Shane Tarble: 1 SB; B. Maskell: 1 SB; Max Welsh: 1 SB.