FALCONS WALK OFF EAGLES

Photo Credit: Jefferson Falcons Athletics

JEFFERSON, OH — The Jefferson Falcons delivered a thrilling finish on Monday, walking off the Geneva Eagles with a 5-4 victory in a dramatic final inning.

With the game tied at four in the bottom of the seventh, Toby Dickson played the hero, lacing a walk-off single to center field to drive in the winning run and send the Falcons’ dugout into celebration.

Dickson not only came through at the plate but was dominant on the mound as well. The Falcons’ ace went the distance, striking out 12 batters while allowing seven hits and four runs over seven gritty innings. He also issued four walks.

Jefferson broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning when Tate Hudson reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring a run to make it 1-0.

The game turned into a seesaw battle late. Geneva surged ahead in the top of the seventh, plating three runs to grab a 4-3 lead. Ryland Besco smashed a two-run double, Logan Rustick followed with an RBI single, and Nick Kastala drew a bases-loaded walk to cap the rally.

But Jefferson refused to go quietly. In the bottom of the seventh, they clawed their way back. A clutch RBI tied the game before Dickson delivered the game-winning hit.

Besco, who also started on the mound for Geneva, was tagged with the loss. He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing nine hits and five runs—three of them earned—while striking out nine and walking one.

Jefferson’s offense tallied nine hits in the win. Dickson and Hudson each collected two hits, while Dickson, Hudson, and Logan Padgett each drove in a run. The Falcons were aggressive on the bases, swiping four bags, and also flashed the leather with a double play on defense.

Besco and Rustick led the Eagles’ offense with two hits apiece, batting back-to-back in the lineup. Besco went 2-for-4 and drove in a pair of runs to pace Geneva.

The two teams will meet again Tuesday, this time at Geneva, as the Eagles look to even the season series.