Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002 | 9:08 a.m.
Allan Miller wasn't ready to pack it in.
Not after his team rallied for three runs in the ninth inning.
Not with the bases loaded and a golden opportunity to redeem himself after his first five at-bats turned out fruitless.
So when Cimarron-Memorial shortstop/reliever Jared Johnson delivered a pitch down the middle, Miller smacked it to left field for a three-run triple to carry the seventh-seeded Skyhawks to a 10-9 comeback victory over the second-seeded Spartans in the American Legion State Tournament at the Community College of Southern Nevada Wednesday night.
"With a couple runners in scoring position, I finally had to clutch up and help out my team," Miller said. "We live to play another day."
Silverado (36-18) advanced to play upstart Reno (48-20) at 5 p.m. today while Cimarron-Memorial (39-9) let its season end by squandering a five-run lead.
The Spartans left the bases loaded five times en route to stranding 16 runners. That spoiled a solid effort by starting pitcher Allan Woodward, who allowed two earned runs and struck out nine in six innings for a no-decision.
Silverado third baseman Ryan Castellanos went 3-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored. Skyhawks' first baseman Cody Willis added two hits, two runs and an RBI.
Miller believes the Skyhawks' hard-fought victory will boost the team Reno.
"It might be tough (to beat Reno), but if we can win tonight, anything is possible," Miller said. "No team is unbeatable.
"This was a lot better than a single win because it was a comeback win."
Silverado senior Ezra Ylinen tossed a scoreless inning to preserve the victory.
In Wednesday's early game, Las Vegas defeated Gorman 10-2 to stay alive. Las Vegas will play Centennial at 8 p.m. tonight.
Wildcats starter Zackary Bradley pitched a complete game, allowing two runs and striking out five for the win. David Hamilton, Kenneth Hargrow and Robert Ashworth had two hits each for Las Vegas.
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