In June, Clyman hosted Rubicon for the first of three meetings for the season. The Canners took the game 3-1. In July, Clyman traveled to Rubicon for a second regular season matchup that was one of the season’s most exciting games. Clyman took a commanding 8-3 lead into the bottom of the 8th, but Rubicon exploded for 8 runs to take an 11-8 lead into the 9th. Down, but not out, Clyman knotted the score at 11 in the top of the 9th. In the bottom of the 9th with one out and the bases loaded, a single to left gave Rubicon a 12-11 victory.

For this third Canners-Red Sox matchup, Rubicon traveled to Clyman for playoff baseball.

In the top of the 1st, Rubicon took a quick lead on a bases loaded error. Despite minor traffic for the next couple innings, it wasn’t until the 5th that Rubicon was able to plate more runs. After two quick outs, a single-error-single combination added a run. A double brought in one more run to make the score 3-0.

In the top of the 7th, Rubicon threatened again by loading the bases with one out. But a popup to the catcher and fly out to center ended the threat. In the 8th, a double and two walks again loaded the bases, but with two outs, a strikeout ended ended the Sox’ inning. And, again in the 9th, Rubicon loaded the bases with two outs before a ground out ended the third consecutive bases-loaded threat.

Rubicon’s offensive summary: 3 Runs, 22 baserunners (11 hits including 2 doubles; 7 walks; 2 errors; 2HBP; 14 LOB). Logan Mantz had 4 hits and an RBI. Braden Montez had a pair of hits and two runs scored.

Meanwhile, the Canners were held scoreless through six, but not without opportunities. In the 1st, Clyman loaded the bases with no outs, but failed to push any runs across. In the 4th, they loaded the bases again with one out, but a double play ended another threat. In the 5th, with runners on 1st and 2nd, runners were again stranded.

In the 6th, Clyman went down in order. Maybe those base runners were being saved for the 7th. With bases loaded and one out, the next batter hit into a fielder’s choice and a run scored. Then, another single and a run. And, another single led to a third run.

In the bottom of the 9th, and one out, Clyman put runners on first and second on consecutive singles. But an inning ending double play forced the game into extra innings.

In the 10th, Rubicon went down in order. In the bottom half, With bases loaded and one out, Clyman advanced to the next round of the playoffs with a walk-off single by Jacob Hurtgen.

Clyman’s offensive summary was similar: 4 runs, 19 baserunners (10 hits; 8 walks; an error; 14 LOB). Jacob Hurtgen had three hits and an RBI. Cam Schuett and Ryan Weed each added two hits apiece.

Final score: Clyman 4 – Rubicon 3.