Despite having lost the ball, Knoch catcher Derek McGill tries to sell the tag at the plate on Butler's Jefferson Ford (28) during the Golden Tornado's 6-5 win Wednesday at Kelly Automotive Park.

It may not have been the hit Sam Gross was looking for, but it worked just as well.

Butler's first baseman came to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning and the score tied 5-5 in the Golden Tornado's non-section baseball game against Knoch Wednesday night.

Knights' pitcher Brandon Stull started the at-bat off with a fastball that hit Gross in the right elbow, which allowed Dallas Hays to trot home with the winning run in a 6-5 decision at Kelly Automotive Park.

“I knew it was going to be a fastball and I wanted to do whatever it took to win the game,” said Gross.

The winning run was set up when three straight Butler batters reached base with one out. Hays' hustle landed him at first base with an infield single and he moved to third on Cade Negley's double. With first base open, Connor Ollio was intentionally walked to load the bases.

“It's frustrating when you lose, no matter how it happens or who it comes against,” said Knoch coach Sean O'Donnell.

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