Forced into a decisive third game against host Chiles, Lincoln responded in a big way.
The Trojans jumped out to an 8-0 lead and held off the Timberwolves for an 8-4 victory to clinch the best‑of‑three Class 5A‑Region 1 semifinal series in baseball Sunday, May 3.
“Getting out to that early lead was huge,” Lincoln coach Mike Gauger said. “Their lineup is so deep you never feel comfortable, no matter how many runs you have. We knew they’d make a push, and they did. But having that separation allowed us to settle back in, limit the damage and finish it.”
With the win, Lincoln (16-15) – a state finalist in 2025 – advances to the region finals May 8–9 and will face the winner of Niceville and Mosley on the road.
The rivals’ regional was pushed back a day due to rain, with the teams splitting their doubleheader Saturday, May 2. The Trojans, who also beat the Timberwolves 8-6 on April 16 to clinch the district title, have won five of their last six games inch above .500.
Scoreless after two innings in Sunday’s showdown, Lincoln was ignted by a five-run third inning. The Trojans out-hit Chiles 8-7, with seven batters contributing at least one hit. Three hits went for extra bases, led by Cody Garber’s home run.
Noah Chavez hit a three-run home run in the Timberwolves’ four-run sixth inning to close the gap.
The Trojans refused to rattle.
Jacob Rabion earned the victory, allowing three earned runs on six hits in 5.1 innings. Middle reliever Zach Burch allowed one run in two-thirds of a inning, and Chase Fuller walked and struck out a pair in the seventh to close out the game.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” Gauger said.
“It was a grind all season. To go on the road, against a rival with that kind of pitching, that kind of lineup and that level of experience, and win two games says a lot about their toughness. I am proud of my guys, they’ve banded together here the last couple of weeks. Hopefully, we can keep it going.”
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Lincoln builds early lead, holds on to beat Chiles in baseball regional
Reporting by Jim Henry, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
