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LINCOLN, Ca. – Three big calls in the eighth and ninth inning loomed over the Potters 7-5 victory over the Rogues.

Rogues first baseman Daniel Nist (Cal State Bakersfield) came home from third base on a wild pitch with the game tied 5-5. Nist dove headfirst at home plate with the Pitcher standing over home plate. The home plate umpire ruled that Nist had been tagged on the shoulder and was ruled out. Rogues Manager Tyler Graham argued that, because Nist had dove with his hands out stretched, that his hands reached the plate before his shoulder would have, but the call was not overturned.

In the bottom of the eighth, Potters first baseman Matt Lopez hit a ball to left center field that bounced up and over the wall, but it was ruled a home run by the field umpire. Once again, Graham came out to argue the call, and was immediately ejected.

In the top of the ninth, Medford native and reigning Great West League Player of the Week Cole Carder (University of Antelope Valley) hit a flare to center field. The Potters’ center fielder Brian Morley dove at the ball. Carder appeared to see the field umpire make the “out” gesture, and jogged back to the Rogues dugout. Several moments later, the home plate umpire ruled him safe, after Carder had already left the base path. The Potters threw the ball through over to first base, and Carder was ruled out. Rogues Acting Manager Danny Sales went out to argue the call, and could be audibly heard saying, “How?!” to the officiating crew. Sales appeared to be ejected immediately after stepping out of the dugout to argue the call.

The first seven runs in the game were put on the bases via the walk before Lincoln Potters’ left fielder Charles Middleton hit an opposite field home run to score Brennan Rozell and give the Potters a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Earlier in the game, Middleton robbed Rogues shortstop Riley Kasper (Saddleback College) of a home run in the top of the seventh inning. Middleton leaped at the wall in left field and knocked the ball back in play, limiting Kasper to a triple. He was left stranded.

The home run to Middleton was served up by Medford native Ryan Carle (Pacific University) who saw his 13+ consecutive scoreless innings pitched streak come to an end on that pitch.

The Potters had two on and nobody out in the third and fifth innings. And in both innings, Middleton was the batter at the plate. Middleton grounded into two 5-4-3 double plays, and then the next batter Brian Morley, struck out looking and grounded out to third in the fifth, respectively.

For the full box score: CLICK HERE

The final game of the series will be tomorrow night at McBean Memorial Park, first pitch is at 6:05pm. After this series, the Rogues will travel to Chico to take on the Heat for the first time at Nettleton Stadium this season.

You can watch every pitch of every game this season online for free on TableRockSports.net

The Rogues will return home Thursday, July 19th, for the final Throwback Thursday of the year. The Rogues are honoring the original Medford Rogues, who played in 1950-51 by wearing special Throwback jerseys, which will be up for auction during the game. The Rogues are also throwing back the prices of beer and concessions, including $1 hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, soda, and more.

For tickets to our final Throwback Thursday: CLICK HERE

This Friday is another KMVU Fox26 Fill the Park Friday. Fans can visit the following local businesses to pick up FREE tickets for the Rogues next home game on Friday, July 20th.

Mary’s BBQ Place - 841 E. Pine Street, Central Point, (541) 727-7079

Mark-It 62 - 8380 Crater Lake Highway, White City, (541) 879-3065

Grange Co-Op - 2531 South Pacific Highway, Medford, (541) 772-4730

Arby’s - 41 E. Stewart Avenue, Medford (541) 779-4294

For more information on KMVU Fox26 Fill the Park Friday: CLICK HERE