Just when it looked like the visitors had all of the momentum, the host Neosho Wildcats rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to earn a 5-4 Central Ozark Conference victory over the Webb City Cardinals on Tuesday at the Marion Sports Complex.
With a sixth straight win, Neosho improved to 17-5 overall and 4-1 in the COC.
Webb City slipped to 12-7 and 2-3 in the COC.
Entering the matchup with plenty of momentum after winning the Branson Tournament over the weekend, the Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning when junior shortstop Beclynn Garrett launched a solo home run over the fence in center field.
The Cardinals were no-hit by Neosho junior right-hander Carleigh Kinnaird through five innings, but the visitors finally got the bats going in the top of the sixth, erupting for four runs.
Freshman shortstop Abby Sargent and sophomore catcher Kylee Sargent hit back-to-back singles to begin the sixth before sophomore third baseman Alex Maturino blasted a three-run home run to center for a 3-1 lead.
Later in the frame, senior second baseman Jensyn Pickett smacked a home run to left to give the visitors a three-run cushion.
But the Wildcats responded with four runs of their own in the bottom half.
Garrett tripled to start the rally and later scored on sophomore second baseman Addysan Hart's sac fly to right.
The hosts tied the game on junior left fielder Avyn Blair's two-run base hit to right field.
Later in the frame, Blair scored the go-ahead run from third after a wild pitch.
Kinnaird, who retired the side in the seventh, earned the complete-game pitching victory. She gave up four runs on four hits and two walks and struck out 10.
Garrett went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.
Webb City freshman Addie Burns took the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four.
Both teams have conference home games on Thursday, as Webb City hosts Republic and Neosho entertains Ozark.