Williams Valley rocked the boat early — and nearly sank — before escaping with a 14-11 Schuylkill League Division 2 victory over Marian on Thursday afternoon.

The Vikings raced out to a 9-1 lead through the top of the third frame, only to be held scoreless over the next four innings as the Colts stormed back.

Despite the scare, Williams Valley hung on in what turned into a back-and-forth battle.

“Sure, it was a big game and a big win for us,” said Williams Valley manager Steve Barner.

Marian, which entered the contest tied with Shenandoah Valley for second place in the league at 4-2 behind unbeaten Schuylkill Haven (7-0), made things interesting late. The loss drops the Colts to 4-3, while the Vikings improved to 3-4 and kept their postseason hopes alive.

The Colts took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Noah Bauder singled, stole second and scored on a double by Cole Jordan.

But Williams Valley quickly seized control with a six-run second inning, sending 11 batters to the plate and collecting six hits. Freshman Fletcher Thompson had a breakout game, going 3-for-5 with two doubles, a single and two RBIs.

“The two doubles I hit were curve balls,” said Thompson. “I was looking for them the whole time because I didn’t think they’d throw me a fastball.”

Peyton Adams singled, and Gavin Trawitz followed with a double to spark the second-inning rally. Nic Martin added a two-run double, Cody Boehmer had an RBI single, and Thompson and Brady Shomper each added base hits.

“Nothing went right for us early,” said Marian first-year manager John “Pilsey” Petrilyak.

After Thompson belted a two-run double as part of a three-run third, Marian responded by scoring three runs on just one hit. The Colts took advantage of three walks, a hit batter, and a Brayden Grant RBI single.

Adding to the drama, Williams Valley starter Chase Deibert exited the game with back tightness after hitting a batter with one out in the third.

“I visited him after he hit (Alex Diaz) because I could tell something was wrong,” Barner said.

The Colts capitalized on the change, trimming the deficit to 9-4.

Williams Valley added a run in the fourth without a hit to go up 10-4, but Marian made it a two-run game with a four-run fifth. The Colts sent nine batters to the plate, highlighted by RBI hits from Chase Grier and Bauder, a Cole Defrancisco RBI double, and a Jimmy Cannon RBI groundout.

“I like the way we fought,” Petrilyak said. “I thought we fought very hard.”

The Vikings tacked on an unearned run in the sixth and plated three more in the seventh, with Boehmer driving in a run with a single — their only hit of the inning.

Marian tried to mount one final rally in the bottom of the seventh. Cannon doubled, two walks followed, and Diaz delivered a two-run single before Jordan’s sacrifice fly closed the scoring.

TOUGH LOSS … The defeat was a setback for Marian’s hopes of securing second place in the division. Williams Valley, meanwhile, stays in the hunt for a potential league playoff berth with three weeks left in the regular season.

HE CAN CATCH … Marian catcher Ethan Labenburg took a foul tip off his right collarbone. He was in visible pain but remained in the game, showcasing his toughness and resilience.

WEB GEMS … Williams Valley first baseman Gavin Trawitz made two stellar catches on foul popups, helping to keep his pitcher’s pitch count in check.

Williams Vy. 063 101 3 - 14 11 1

Marian 103 040 3 - 11 9 3

Deibert, Bowser (3), Dieter (6) and Thompson; Defrancisco, Grier (2), Deer (6) and Labenburg. W - Bowser. L - Defrancisco.

Records: Williams Valley (5-6; 3-4); Marian (5-7; 4-3).