NECEDAH — Trailing by a run in the bottom of the seventh and final inning, the bottom of Necedah’s batting order put together a stunning game-winning rally.

The Cardinals’ 6–7–8–9 hitters strung together four straight hits to score the tying and game-winning run in an 8–7 victory before the visiting Hillsboro Tigers could even record an out.

Necedah rapped out 13 hits and drew nine walks, but Hillsboro only allowed eight runs in the loss.

“Once again the defense did a good job keeping us in the game,” said Hillsboro head coach Mike Burch. “We had a 6–4–3 double play to get out of trouble in the sixth inning and Morgen Rynes cut down two base runners trying to steal.”

Center fielder Brittany Borchardt also started a relay after a ball was hit in the gap between right and center, Borchardt to second baseman Macy Mislivecek to Rynes to cut down a runner trying to score from first on a Jamie Bistodeau double earlier in the game.

“It took two perfect throws,” added Burch.

Sophomore Alexis Mathis  (0–2) took the loss for Hillsboro allowing eight runs, five earned, on 10 hits in six innings. She struck out four and walked nine.

“This was Lexi’s first career complete game as a pitcher,” said Burch. “Nine walks were obviously still too many, but she made a huge improvement over her last outing. Hopefully she makes just as big of a stride in her next game.”

Necedah scored two in the second and three in the third to grab a 5–0 lead.

“The whole team came out flat. The first three innings were hard to watch as a coach,” said Burch. “It took a little time to get adjusted to the best pitcher that we have faced so far this season.”

Hillsboro scored twice in the fourth and three times in the fifth to tie the game at 5–5.

Necedah got a run back in the sixth before Hillsboro plated a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to take a 7–6 lead.

Mislivecek went 2-for-3 to lead Hillsboro in the loss. Elsie Griffin had double.

Morgan Kubicek earned the win for Necedah after allowing just two earned runs on four hits in seven innings. She struck out six and walked five, but was hindered by four Cardinal errors behind her.

Last Thursday’s home game with Bangor was rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on May 12 at Bangor.

The Tigers (1–2, 1–2 SBC) will return to action today when they travel to Cashton. They will return home Monday for an SBC doubleheader with Royall.