VELMA Just a few minutes after Velma-Alma junior Ty Richardson was hit by a pitch from Lindseys relief pitcher, Alec Richardson followed in his cousins footsteps to win third place in the Jake Leffler Wooden Bat Tournament Saturday.

It was a walk-off hit by pitch and the Comets (8-12) had pulled out the 5-4 win. Alec Richardson said that it was the best hed ever felt when getting hit by the ball. The Comets had scored a run without getting the ball out of the infield to win the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. Coach Colt Allison was happy with his players patience at the plate.

I just told the guys, You have to make the pitcher work, Allison said. Make him work at the knees, and it did pay off. He hit a couple kids there and I felt like we were pretty fortunate.

As the Lindsey pitcher slammed his glove on the ground, Velma-Alma celebrated a win that was close to not happening.

With two outs in the top of the seventh and nursing a 4-3 lead, the Comets showed their inexperience. Lindsey tried to steal with its game-tying runner on second. The smart play would have been to let him have the bag. A single would have scored him on second, so it didnt matter having him on third.

Allison took the blame on himself for freshman catcher Tyler Martin overthrowing third to score the game-tying run.

I just think it was instinct, and he reacted, Allison said. It was a poor job from the dugout, not from him. He needs to be told.

Martins brother, Colby, picked him up. He pitched a gem in the close win and said it felt great to have his brothers back in the end.

It means a lot, Colby said. He needs to pick his head up, because he is a big part of this team.

It was the second win of the night for the Comets, who have won four of their last five. The first one of the day was a 9-5 decision against Healdton, which included a home run by Ty Richardson.

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Comets find a way to win