Blackhawks Fall in 8-Innings LESLIE, MI — A spectacular early-inning explosion wasn't quite enough Monday night, as the Leslie Blackhawks dropped a grueling, eight-inning battle to the visiting Mason Varsity Bulldogs, 9-7. The Blackhawks showcased incredible fight in the bottom of the second inning, stringing together hits and capitalized walks to cross the plate six times and jump out to a commanding 6-0 lead. Jon Swagart led the offensive charge, finishing 3-for-4 at the plate with a double. Easton Hawkins also came up big, helping his own cause by hammering two doubles and driving in a run, while Henry Bradford added an RBI double of his own. On the mound, Hawkins battled through 5.0 tough innings, striking out 5 batters. Reliever T. Newland took over in the sixth , holding the line as the Blackhawks rallied in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game at 7-7 and force extra frames. Unfortunately, Mason managed to pull ahead with two runs in the top of the eighth. Despite Leslie showing great plate discipline to finish with 9 total walks on the night , the Blackhawks were unable to answer in the bottom half of the frame. Both teams fought out of massive jams all evening, with Leslie leaving 13 runners stranded. Game Leaders Hits: Jon Swagart (3) , Easton Hawkins (2) , Hudson Phillips (2) Extra-Base Hits: Easton Hawkins (2 2B) , Henry Bradford (2B) , Jon Swagart (2B) Walks: Joel Cranmore (3) , Jackson Fossitt (2)