Usually one hears, “it was a tough loss,” not a “tough tie.” But a “tough tie” was exactly how it ended this afternoon for 10U Grey in Hicksville as the umpire was focused on the plate and missed the third out at second base. While the Hicksville dugout was jumping up and down in elation, thinking they had won in the bottom of the sixth, the call was being heatedly debated then reversed. A gentlemen’s agreement was reached to end the game tied at 6 rather than advance into extra innings in hundred degree weather on a sunny turf field. The Grey Hawks played their hearts out as Hicksville chipped away in the bottom of each inning. Miles gave up back-to-back singles to begin the game, and one run scored on a bobbled grounder to second. Eric K. made the throw to Jesse L. for the out at first; Miles struck out the next two. With two outs in the second inning, Miles lined a shot into left field then stole second. Marcello’s double to left center brought Miles in and put Plainview on the board. After issuing a walk then fanning a hitter in the bottom of the second, Miles left the mound for Eric K. to come on board to face the offense; The runner stole second base; The next batter hit one up the middle, and Marcello made the tag at second base, but the runner crossed the plate for Hicksville’s second run..  Their final out came on a 4-3 (Jake W. – Jesse L.) play. The Grey Hawks had only two hits (singles – John C. & Jesse L.) and no runs in the third and fourth innings. Hicksville scraped another run with two outs in the third. After giving up a leadoff single, Eric K. got a 1-3 play with Marcello then struck out the next batter. The next hitter put one through the gap between short and second for an RBI single. Unfazed, Eric K. punched out the next hitter. Ira enjoyed an outstanding performance in the fourth as he k-oed the first hitter he faced, allowed a single to the next, then made a terrific 1-4 play with Jake W. for the out at second. He struck out the next batter to end the inning—all on 13 pitches. At the plate Marcello led off the fifth inning with a walk.; Chris C. lifted a bloop single into short right field.  Max D. loaded the bases with a base on balls. Eric K. knocked a single to drive home Marcello and Chris to tie the contest at 3. Rinta followed with a single to load the bases once again.  Ira wasted no time to slam a two-run double for Grey to go ahead 5-3. In the bottom of the inning, Hicksville came back. After a lead-off single, Ira and Marcello made a terrific 1-6 play at second base. The next batter hit a single to put runners at the corners. Ira made a diving stop as the ball lined to his right and made the throw but not in time. The next batter was out on an infield fly but the one after him two hit a two-run double followed by an RBI single. The inning ended on a 1-3 play with the score 6-5.p Left with three outs to get back on top, Jake W. reached base on a single. Jesse L drove him home on a triple but was called out at third. Miles walked; Marcello reached first on a fielder’s choice; Chris C. knocked another single, but the rally ended in a tie. Rinta hurled the final inning, allowing a lead-off triple, a walk, and a stolen base before getting a K.. The next player walked to load the bases. The batter made contact but the runner did not slide at the plate so out number two was called. The next batter put the ball in play; Robby P. made the tag for the force at second base. It would have been the final out, but the umpire was watching the plate, saw a runner cross, and called the win for Hicksville which brings us back to the beginning (or end) of this recap!