NEWARK, Ohio— The Stark County Terriers traveled to Newark Tuesday night to take on the first place Licking County Settlers. The Terriers blew a 5-4 lead in the ninth inning after a two run walk off home run, losing by a score of 6-5. The loss drops Stark County’s record to 10-10 on the season.

The Terriers were able to get a run on the scoreboard in the first inning, after first baseman Mark Lapikas (University of Toledo/ Youngstown, OH) doubled to right center field, scoring Casey Wilson (Kent State University/ Sagamore Hills, OH). Wilson had reached base an at bat earlier by way of a single. Licking County would respond with a run of their own in the inning, tying the score at 1-1 after one inning of play.

The Settlers would add another run in the third inning, before Stark County would add more to the scoreboard in the fourth.

Jason Bagoly (Kent State University/ Austintown, OH) and Ryan Cypret (Ohio State University/ Powell, OH) started the fourth off with consecutive singles. Bagoly would score off an error by the Licking County shortstop, while Cypret would score off a sacrifice fly. After the inning, the Terriers would lead 3-2.

Licking County would score two runs in the sixth inning, including a solo home run, to retake the lead 4-3.

Stark County would strike back in the eighth inning, scoring two runs, to once again retake the lead. Pinch hitter Chris Norton (Marshall University/ Tampa, FL) started the rally off by hitting an infield single. The bases were then loaded after the Settler pitcher plunked two consecutive batters, bringing up Kenny Socorro (Marshall University/ Miami, FL). Socorro would single to right center field, scoring two to give the Terriers the lead 5-4.

The Terriers would have the Settlers down to their last out with one runner on second base, before their clean-up hitter, Adam Walker, hit a walk off homerun to right field to give the Terriers the loss.

Starting pitcher for Stark County was RHP Cody Umbright (University of Toledo/ Suffield, OH). Umbright worked three innings for the Terriers, allowing two runs, off three hits. Losing pitcher for Stark County was Pat O’Brien (Bowling Green State University/ Boardman, OH). O’Brien pitched three innings, giving up two runs, off two hits.

Leading hitters for the Terriers were Kenny Socorro (2-4, 2RBI), and Casey Wilson (2-5, R, SB)

The Terriers will next take on the Lexington Hustlers on Friday, July 9 at Walsh University Field, in North Canton, OH. First pitch is scheduled for 5PM.