On Monday night at Manvel High School, Elkins won an extra-inning game to advance in the Region III-5A playoffs.

Not bad for one inning's work.

Drew Vest’s RBI single with the bases loaded and two out was the game-winner for the Knights in a 7-6 win over Pearland in the third game of a Region III-5A bi-district series that was suspended from over the weekend. The game started on Saturday night after the Oilers won to force a third game. But as the game went into extra innings, the game was halted as the clock reached midnight Sunday morning. Per University Interscholastic League rules, no games or activities can be conducted on Sundays.

“Our kids were mentally and physically drained on Saturday,” Elkins coach Richard Thistlewaite said. “I truly think this was a blessing in disguise.”

When the game resumed, Elkins (26-7) took advantage of back-to-back Pearland errors, as Darren Hooks and Tyler Langner reached on throwing errors, then Cody Wilson reached on a bunt single to load the bases.

Pearland pitcher Kevin Miller then got the next two batters to strike out, but Vest came up laced a laser into short left-center field, scoring Hooks.

“We came into the game with all these different scenarios in our head, and none of those had us get two errors and a bunt single, then two strikeouts and a base hit,” Thistlewaite said.

The day and a half rest was a welcome twist of fate to Thistlewaite, which allowed him to put in his ace, pitcher Myles Duvall to work the final inning. Duvall retired the side with ease, getting the leadoff hitter to bounce to second and struck out the next two to seal the win.

“He’s 12-0 (this season), and I’m glad he’s wearing Elkins blue,” Thistlewaite said.

The series was a back-and-forth affair, with Elkins winning 4-3 in the first game, then Pearland squeaking out a 4-2 win. The Oilers end their season at 15-15-1.

The win means Elkins will advance to the area round, where the Knights face La Porte, who beat Beaumont West Brook this weekend. That series will be played at both schools, with Elkins hosting the first game on Thursday and the third game on Saturday, if necessary. The second game will be at La Porte on Friday night.

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