The bats came alive late and sparked a Clinton comeback rally in a 5-2, eight-inning victory over Meridian in Central Illinois Conference high school baseball victory Monday at Meridian.

Mason Walker went six innings of two-run ball, keeping Clinton close. Walker struck out eight, walked two and permitted three hits. 

The Maroons trailed 2-0 heading into the fifth inning and tied the game and went ahead for good in the top of the eighth inning with a three-run inning.

Walker paced the offense, finishing 2-for-4 while Noah Bass was 2-for-4 with a double. 

Brooks Cluver pitched two hitless, shutout innings in relief for the win for the Maroons. He struck out four and issued a walk. 

Roy Ralston struck out 12 in seven innings of two-run ball for Meridian. The Hawks drop to 6-9 overall and 4-6 in CIC play.

Clinton moves to 6-7 overall and 5-5 in the Central Illinois Conference. Clinton hosts Tuscola on Wednesday.