With the game-winning run on first with two outs, there was still a chance for Warrenton to pull off its biggest rally of the season.Or so Coach Ken Dildine thought.When Post 122 Junior Legion player Ryan Adams stepped into the batting box, he was called out for an illegal substitution, consequently ending the game.New Haven escaped 12-10.Dildine says he had communicated with the umpire earlier in the game when Adams had entered, but an official substitution appears to have never been documented.It was unfortunate timing for the mishap to be noticed, with Warrenton closing the gap on its visitors after a sluggish start at the plate.“Right or wrong, it was a learning mistake on my part, and one that will not ever be made again,” said Dildine, following Monday’s defeat.In a game where no pitcher seemed to gain consistent control, each team took turns cranking out runs, beginning with New Haven in the second inning. Post XXX pushed ahead 3-0 against starting pitcher Brandon Purkaple, who struck out four and walked three through four innings.New Haven added another four runs in the third to take a 7-0 advantage, capatilizing off six hits against Purkaple.“They were doing a good job of putting the ball in play, and we weren’t making all the plays in the field or on our cut-offs,” said Dildine.While crisp defense wasn’t there for Warrenton, Post 122 had several stretches of solid hitting.Justin Rice led off the bottom of the third, eventually scoring, along with James Dotson and Austin Dixon.But Warrenton would go without another run until the end of the fifth inning and enjoyed most of its success in the final two innings.During that time, the teams engaged in a shootout. Trailing 11-4, Post 122 advanced Chris Garrett, Devon Oden and Logan XXX home.“Our guys started getting on the base paths and stealing, and we were able to put some pressure on their pitcher, but we just weren’t able to finish it,” said Dildine.Collin Leslie tossed the fifth and sixth innings, giving up five hits and three earned runs. He walked three and struck out four, before Austin Dixon entered to close. He was able to hold scoreless in the seventh, providing another life for Warrenton.“The boys played hard, but it just wasn’t there for us tonight,” said Dildine.Post 122 managed to score three more runs with one out but left the bases loaded in its most productive inning at the plate. New Haven had brought in a new pitcher, and Dildine says his team was taking advantage of the circumstance.“We really started hitting the ball well toward the end,” said Dildine. “I was really proud of how the boys played, especially coming on late.”“I still think we’re competing for the district, but we just can’t afford to lose anymore,” said Dildine.DIXON HEADS HOMEDerrick Forsythe photo.