A six-run explosion in the bottom of the sixth inning proved to be the difference as Tri-Valley pulled away late to defeat Heyworth 6-2 on Wednesday afternoon in non-conference high school baseball action in Downs.

In a game that began as a classic pitcher's duel, both offenses were kept quiet through the first five frames. Tri-Valley finally broke the scoreless tie in the home half of the sixth, sending ten batters to the plate. Caden Fiscus ignited the rally with a single, and after Grayson Coughlin was hit by a pitch, Caden Dehner delivered an RBI single to put the Vikings on the board 1-0. 

Chase Haworth then provided the biggest blow of the frame, a two-run double to left that scored Dehner and courtesy runner Coleton Boward. Tri-Valley added two more on a bases-loaded walk by Ethan Moore and a late error to build a commanding 6-0 lead.

The Hornets Boston Katz hit a sharp grounder that resulted in a two-base error, allowing two runners to score and cut the deficit to 6-2. 

Coughlin went six shutout innings, allowing just four hits while striking out eight for Tri-Valley.

Haworth led the Viking offense, finishing 1-for-2 with two RBIs, while Isaiah Alexander and Dehner each added an RBI apiece.

Katz took the hard-luck loss for Heyworth despite a stellar start, racking up nine strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings of work. 

Denning was the offensive standout for the Hornets, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with two doubles.

Heyworth falls to 6-10-2 overall and 3-5 in the Heart of Illinois Conference. They host Delavan on Thursday.

Tri-Valley goes to 17-6 overall and 8-1 in the Heart of Illinois Conference. They take on Dee-Mack on Friday.