Baldwin High School senior baseball player Ian Verbal went out on top Wednesday, giving a strong performance in what could be his last game as a Brave.

Verbal gave a strong, four-inning effort on the mound, played strong defense and scored the winning run in BHS’ 10-9 win over Monticello on Senior Day. Baldwin fans said the Hurricanes were “Verbalized.”

BHS head coach Donnie Coburn said Verbal has been an integral part of the Braves’ squad for four years.

“He’s been with us for four years, and he’s started for three. I can’t say enough about his commitment and loyalty,” Coburn said. “He leads by example.”

Verbal had a game full of fours on Wednesday. In his fourth year of high school baseball, Verbal last four innings on the mound. He gave up four runs on four hits, struck out four, walked four and had four total bases on the day.

“Tonight was very special for Ian,” Coburn said. “What better way to end your season than score the winning run in the bottom of the seventh. It was just a great day for him.”

And for the Braves’ squad as a whole.

Baldwin went up early, plating six runs over the first two innings. Monticello battled back in the third, scoring three in the top of that inning, one in the fourth and two in the fifth to tie the game at six. The Braves plated two of their own in the bottom of the sixth, but Monticello retook the lead 9-8 in the top of the seventh.

Baldwin won it in the bottom of the frame. With Tyler Jump on third and Verbal on first and two outs, Braxton Hurt drilled a fly ball high in the air in left. The Monticello outfielder lost the ball, and it hit off his glove. Jump scored easily from third, and Verbal raced around the bases, barely beating the throw home for the win.

Hurt was credited with the win in the contest, giving three innings of work. He gave up five runs on five hits, striking out three and walking two. He also led BHS at the plate, going 2-for-3 on the day.

“Over the last few games, even though we haven’t won many, we’ve been playing fairly decent baseball,” Coburn said. “We’ve been hitting the ball hard, and our pitchers have been giving us pretty good outings.”

The win may very well end Baldwin’s season. The Braves are scheduled to play teams in the other side of the region beginning this weekend, but the games may be canceled. Regardless, Coburn said the way the season ended my give next year a great beginning.

“We’ve been through a very tough season,” he said. “We’ve lost a lot of heartbreakers. We’ve played really strong baseball, and we’ve played pretty bad baseball. Tonight, though, we are winners. The guys did what it took to get a win. Tonight was a stepping stone. Hopefully we can build on it for next year.”

Call Sports Editor Ross Couch at (478) 453-1465 or e-mail sports@unionrecorder.