Thursday night was a special night for the Robinson baseball program as they honored 12 graduating seniors before their matchup with Wharton.

“It’s just a good group of seniors. It’s a good group of baseball players and a good group of kids,” said coach Kevin McCray. “I’ve certainly enjoyed coaching them.”

After the pregame ceremony, the two teams remained locked in a pitcher’s duel. The only non-senior in the starting lineup was Shawn McGory (’16), who started at catcher. Mitchel Chowning (’15) got the start, tossing two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and one walk. Following his strong effort, Patrick Kiszla (’15) pitched four solid innings while allowing three hits, two walks and a hit by pitch. He struck out four batters in his final appearance at Lou Garcia Field.

Milton Figueroa (’15) got the start for the Wildcats, holding the Knights without a hit until McGory singled in the fifth. He then fell victim to Robinson’s fabled sixth-inning magic when he walked Joey Mello (’15) to lead off the inning. Later in the inning, Mello appeared to be picked off, but the throw got away from the first baseman and he made it to third standing up. Tommy Craparo (’15) was then hit by a pitch before Nathan Doherty (’15) delivered a two-run single to center with two outs, giving the Knights a 2-0 lead heading into the seventh.

Michael Tini (’16) picked up the save in the seventh, allowing one run on three hits. With two on, he got a ground ball to Jacob Jackson (’15) who made the throw to first to nail down the Knights’ 13th win. After the postgame handshakes, the players were treated to fireworks in the sky down the left field line.

“Tremendous. Let Mr. Bush know that I had nothing to do with that when somebody gets arrested,” said McCray.

Robinson (13-7) will next travel to Leto (13-7) on Tuesday before wrapping up the season at Lennard on Friday.