It came down to the last play, but Harper College was on the wrong end of a 13-12 defeat to Rock Valley College on Monday.  

Harper College fell behind by five runs in the fourth inning, but then tried to fight back.

The Hawks got on the board first when George Betevis (Hanover Park, IL/Bartlett High School) led off the game with a single, and then proceeded to steal second and third base before coming around to score on a throwing error by Rock Valley's catcher.

Rock Valley captured an early lead in the first inning with Ricky Powell III's sacrifice fly.

After Harper College scored one run in the top of the second, Golden Eagles answered with one of their own.  Harper scored on a George Betevis (Hanover Park, IL/Bartlett High School) fielder's choice, and Rock Valley answered with a solo homer.

Harper College put up six runs in the seventh inning.  Justin Cappis (Chicago, IL/Niles North) led off the inning with a walk, and Nic Castrovillari (Hanover Park, IL/Bartlett High School) followed with an infield single. After two quick outs, the offense came to life with great at bats by Betevis, Ehinger Adrianza (Miami, FL/Felix Varela Senior High), Justin Gadomski (Schaumburg, IL/Schaumburg High School), and Michael Budorick (Glenview, IL/Glenbrook South). The scoring was capped off with a huge full count, 2-out line drive 2 run single by Micah O'Neal (Forest Park, IL/Guerin Prep High School).

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the the Golden Eagles tied things up at nine on a single by Nikolas Clark.

Castrovillari (HBP) and Cole Ratliff's (Palatine, IL/Fremd High School) single sparked the offense in the eighth, setting the stage for a 3-run home run by Ehinger Adrianza (Miami, FL/Felix Varela Senior High).

The 12-9 lead was not enough as Rock Valley stormed back with four runs in the bottom half of the inning, culminating with Logan Scuglik's walk off, three run double.

Storm started on the hill for Golden Eagles. The pitcher lasted five innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out seven.

Jason Gutkowski (Roselle, IL/Lake Park High School) toed the rubber for Harper College. The righty went three innings, allowing six runs on seven hits and striking out three.  Connor FitzGerald (Chicago, IL/Lake View High School) and Quinton Johnston (Sarnia, ON (CA)/Great Lakes Secondary School) entered the game from the bullpen, throwing four innings and one-third of an inning respectively.

Harper College collected 11 hits on the day.  Adrianza and Castrovillari all managed multiple hits for Harper College.  Adrianza led Harper College with three hits in five at bats.

The Hawks are back in action on Tuesday as they host Prairie State College at Wheeling's Heritage Park.