A three-run rally by Jay County gave the Patriots a 4-2 win in the ACAC against South Adams Tuesday evening.
The Starfires lead 2-1 after scoring twice in the third inning on a Luke Bauman double.
Owen Wanner went the distance for the Stars, allowing just one earned run, but it was the three unearned runs in that fateful sixth inning that made all the difference.
Pitching with that 2-1 lead, things got off to a poor start for Wanner when the first two batters each reached on an error. The Stars were unable to handle the sacrifice bunt after the first error.
The Stars did get the out on the next bunt, with Derek Weaver fielding the ball to Owen Wanner at first as Jay County moved the runners. Coach Buckingham had Wanner intentionally walk the next batter to set up the double play, but Ryne Goldsworthy singled to center and gave Jay County the lead.
The fourth run for Jay added injury to insult as Wanner got the second out of the inning on a pickoff, but Jay scored again on what would have been strike three swinging, but the ball got away and the run scored.
Wanner struck out eight in his outing and had a base hit.
Weaver and Bauman had the only two extra-base hits, both doubles. Manny Juarez singled twice for the Starfires, who are hoping to rebound against Southern Wells Thursday.