McLennan Highlanders fall in Florida opener

The McLennan Highlanders fell to the Gulf Coast State Commodores 3-2 in extra innings of their opening game at the Panama City Gulf Coast Classic.
 
Gulf Coast State began the scoring with a run in the bottom of the first as Tyler Borges doubled and scored on a single by Ethan Lizama.
 
McLennan tied the game with a run in the top of the fifth. Katcher Halligan drew walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. Ty Johnson, Elijah Rodriguez and Cole Fontenelle all walked, bringing Halligan in to score.
 
The Highlanders took the lead with a run in the top of the eighth. Tiebreaker were in effect so Rodriguez began the inning at second base. Fontenelle then moved Rodriguez over to third with a sacrifice bunt, and Rodriguez scored on a fielder's choice by Daniel Altman.
 
The Commodores stole the win with a run in the bottom of the ninth. Mason Dubose started on a second and move to third on a wild pitch. Dylan Mach then drew a walk and Dubose scored on another wild pitch.
 
The Highlanders will face St. Johns River State or Wallace State-Hanceville at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
 
McLennan 000 010 010 – 2 3 0
Gulf Coast State 100 000 011 – 3 6 2
Will Carsten, Nick Greaney (6), Will Glatch (9) and Jason Hawkins, Hank Bard (7). Carson Dorsey, Parker Wakeman (5), and Blake Dincmam. WP: Parker Wakeman, LP: Nick Greaney. Leading hitters – McLennan: Elijah Rodriguez (2-3), Cole Fontenelle (RBI), Daniel Altman (RBI); Gulf Coast State: Tyler Borges (1-3, 2B) and Ethan Lizama (1-4, 2 RBI). Record: McLennan 1-2-1.