For a few minutes Saturday morning, it appeared that Douglas High's Niko Saladis had found yet another way to deliver the Tigers a late-game victory.
Some shaky fielding through the final three innings cost the Tigers the win as Carson picked up a 5-4 win in extra innings at Ron McNutt Field in Carson.
Saladis, who belted a game-winner Thursday in Douglas' 7-6 win over the Senators, singled to center in the sixth inning Saturday to score Jordan Hadlock, giving the Tigers a 4-3 lead. Saladis' hit gave Douglas control of the game's momentum after they'd rallied back from a 3-1 deficit in the frame.
Carson, however, wouldn't go away quietly, drawing two walks with two outs in the bottom of the sixth.
D.J. Brady then relieved freshman Tyler May, who pitched superbly in the cold weather while striking out four and surrendering only three runs - only one of which was earned.
Brady appeared to induce what would've been the third out on a high fly ball to right center, but it was slightly misplayed and it got lost in the sun, allowing a run to score. Brady was able to get out of the inning on the next batter with a clean strikeout.
Douglas has a strong chance to pull back in front in the top of the seventh after Ryan Laing singled to right and Ryan Guzman subbed in to run for Laing. Phil Mannelly then drew a one-out walk and Guzman advanced to third on a passed ball.
He got caught just too far off the base and was picked off before Carson ended the threat with a strikeout.
Douglas then loaded the bases in the top of the eighth as Hadlock singled with one out, Jeff White drew a walk and Saladis reached on an error.
Brady then grounded into an inning-ending double play, although it appeared Carson's first baseman may have been pulled off the bag by the throw.
Carson's Kevin Schlange singled with one out in the bottom of the inning and stole second. He then came around to score on a throwing error, ending the game.
Laing led the Tigers by going 3-for-4 at the plate. Hadlock and Saladis each had RBIs for the Tigers.
The Senators wasted little time in the second game of the day, piling up five runs in the second inning and adding four in the fourth on their way to a 10-0 route.
Brady and May picked up Douglas' only hits of the game with May's shot going for a double.
Nate Whalin (0-2) took the loss for the Tigers.
Douglas dropped to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in league play with the losses. The Tigers took on top-ranked McQueen Tuesday afternoon and will host Damonte Ranch Thursday.
-- Joey Crandall can be reached at jcrandall@recordcourier.com or at (775) 782-5121, ext. 212.
