For the first two innings of Thursday’s senior night matchup against Wharton (12-8), it seemed as if the Knights (11-11) were going to break their losing streak. However, after two controversial balks called on Peter Feinman (’17) in the third, allowing the Wildcats to score two runs, Wharton took control, winning 10-2.

“We are in a rough run right now, so we don’t need anything petty to go against us,” head coach Kevin McCray said. “I have been coaching at Robinson for eight years and I have never seen balks called on a pitcher for a toe tapping his foot on his way to get set. I don’t think I have ever seen it period, and it happened twice in one inning.”

Two more runs in the fourth, including a home run for Wharton’s Clayton Coringrato (’17), weakened the Knights’ hopes for a comeback. The Wildcats furthered the lead to 8-0 until the sixth inning, when Robinson’s Alexander Walen (’17) had a base hit to drive in the first run. Aaron Scott (’17) drove in one final run for the Knights in the bottom of the seventh.

“To be honest, it was my first hit of the season so it was really special for me. Whenever I get up to the plate I always try to make my at-bat worth it,” Walen said. “Even though we were down by a lot, it felt amazing to get the team on the board and not be shut out.”

The Knights will face Newsome next Thursday, April 27, at Newsome High School (16550 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547.)