State Baseball Tournament: Independence walks-off Buffalo 4-3

Patriots rally from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Bison 4-3 in 8-innings

Independence baseball knows a thing or two about comeback wins at the West Virginia State High School Baseball Tournament.

Two years ago at the postseason big dance, the Patriots rallied for a 4-3 win over Winfield after trailing 3-0 early in the game.

Monday night at Jack Cook Field at Marshall University, the "Cardiac Pats" added another thrilling chapter in the 2026 state tournament.

After battling back to tie the score in the bottom of the 7th inning, Independence erased its second deficit of the night in the 8th inning.

With the bases loaded in a 3-3 game, Allen Coalson singled over a drawn-in outfield pushing home the game-winning run in a wild 4-3 triumph for the Patriots.

The win moves Independence into the semifinal round to face Frankfort Thursday night in game two of the evening session, at approximately 7:45 p.m.

Independence head coach Scott Cuthbert discussed the win over the Bison.

For six and one-third innings, Buffalo starter Luca Signorini baffled the hot-hitting Patriots. The hard throwing right-hander had held the Coal City boys scoreless on four hits with 12 strikeouts.

Indy finally broke the ice in the bottom of the 7th inning facing a 2-0 deficit and possible elimination.

Chance Moore ignited the rally with a lead-off triple before Signorini recorded his final strikeout of the night.

After Signorini was lifted due to reaching the pitch-count maximum, the Patriots continued the attack.

Freshman K.J. Viars made the first of two key plays in the inning when the speedster beat out an infield single, scoring Brayden Keith who was in to run for Moore.

Paxton Myers worked a walk to move Viars up a base setting the stage for the game's most dramatic play.

A ground ball from Andrew Coalson appeared to be a routine out at second base, but Viars never missed a beat rounding third base on the fielder's choice.

With Viars racing for the plate, the throw was high and Viars slid safely under the tag, tying the game 2-2, sending the game to extra innings.

Viars talked about his night and the Patriots win.

The Bison quickly responded with a lead-off triple from Hunter Rutan, but that threat was later erased on a failed squeeze play.

Undaunted, Buffalo regained the lead later in the at-bat.

Jake Crossin was hit by a pitch and moved to third on a single from Attilio Signorini. Crossin then scored on a passed ball for a 3-2 lead.

The defensive gem of the night followed a walk to Kyler Boggess.

With the Bison threatening to add to the advantage, Luca Signorini ripped a fading liner into right field which was snagged by a diving Tristan Lykins, saving two runs.

Micah Cuthbert and Moore worked back-to-back walks to open the bottom of the 8th-inning, setting up an obvious sacrifice bunt situation for Hunter Milam.

Milam did his Patriot teammates one better with a perfect bunt that turned into an infield single, loading the bases with no outs.

Once again it was Viars stepping back in the spotlight with an infield single, tying the game, 3-3, setting the stage for Coalson's dramatic finish.

Coalson talked about the dramatic win and his key at-bat to send Independence home a winner.