May 12 - Hunter Rhodes gave the Cottage Grove Lions a boost by going 4 for 5 at bat against Illinois Valley. The Cottage Grove Lions defeated Illinois Valley in a stunning 10-9 walk-off victory on Wednesday.

11 hits were recorded by the Lions on the day. Rhodes and Christian Spear each had multiple hits; Rhodes with four singles and Spear with a triple, double and a single. The Lions also stole eight bases during the game with Isaiah Cushman leading the way with three stolen bases.

The Lions responded with two runs of their own after Illinois Valley scored two runs in the top of the fourth. J. Demuth's triple on a 0-1 count allowed Illinois Valley to score one run, and another run was scored by an error. When Micah Spear singled on a 2-1 count and Roads singled on a 1-1 count, the Lions responded by scoring one run each.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, Anthony Eubanks produced a key single that allowed two runs to score and the team to grab the lead.

The game was tied at nine with the Lions batting in the bottom of the seventh when Rhoads, a freshman, singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run for the win. Rhodes had a spectacular day at the plate, singling in the third, fourth, fifth, and seventh innings. A stellar performance from the freshman.

Coach Rheuban stated after the game, “I am super pleased how the team continued to compete and battle for all seven Innings and eventually earning the Victory in walk-off fashion. Great offensive response in the bottom of the fifth to retake the lead after trailing by three runs entering the inning.”