"What we were looking for is to get the pieces in place," South coach Greg Eversole said. "We're out of the (Monocacy Valley Athletic League) race; we're playing for the playoffs. As a coach I really can appreciate the way this team hung in there, battled back and took advantage of the opportunity when it came."
It came on a sacrifice bunt attempt geared to move the tying run into scoring position.
With North (5-12, 5-10) leading 6-5, Hubs pitcher Tater Russ fielded Matt Mauriello's bunt and tried for a force play at second but a high throw allowed John Schnebly to reach safely. After Matt Jenkins' RBI bunt single, Danny Fowler walked to load the bases for Showe.
Showe launched a drive down the right-field line that landed on the chalk for two RBIs and an 8-6 lead.
"It's been that way all year," North coach Shawn Reynolds said. "A call goes against us and we tuck our heads. For most teams, hits like that hit the line. For us, it would be an inch foul."
South (11-6, 10-5) got a big lift from the return of Frank Linton, who missed three games with a dislocated right shoulder. His return was complete with a two-run homer in the first, a leadoff single in the sixth to set up P.J. Hiser's school record tying seventh home run, and a RBI walk to end the rally.
"This was Frankie's first game since he got hurt," Eversole said. "We were warming up and he showed up. He tried to loosen his arm up and couldn't but said he could swing a bat. We moved our lineup around to let him DH. He has a heart as big as Washington County. To get that home run gave our kids a lift."
Showe added an RBI double in the sixth.
North jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first on Frankie McAllister's RBI groundout and Dave Hobbs' single. But Linton's home helped erase the lead.
The Hubs got to South starter Mike Squibb for three runs in the third, keyed by Hobbs' two run single. North got a 6-3 lead in the fifth when Joe McGhee singled and scored on a wild pitch.
By BOB PARASILITI / Staff Writer
