Blazers Walk Off 8-7 Win Against Sayre

Josh Pace's single in the bottom of the seventh inning scored the winning run for University Heights.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:10am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold primary colors depicting the climactic final plays of a high school baseball game, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the dynamic action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic final moments of the University Heights-Sayre baseball game, with the winning run scoring on a last-inning single.Sayre Today

The first-ever meeting between University Heights and Sayre high school baseball teams ended in a dramatic 8-7 walk-off win for the Blazers. Josh Pace's one-out single in the bottom of the seventh inning scored Courtland Gibson to give University Heights the victory after Sayre had tied the game in the top half of the inning.

Why it matters

This close, back-and-forth game between the two schools highlights the competitive nature of high school baseball in the region and the excitement that can come from close, well-played contests between evenly matched opponents.

The details

Sayre took an early 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning, but University Heights responded with two runs in the bottom of the second and one more in the third to tie the game. The Spartans went back in front 4-3 in the top of the fourth, but the Blazers answered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 6-4 lead. Sayre tied the game at 6-6 with a two-run triple in the top of the seventh, setting up Pace's game-winning hit in the bottom of the inning.

  • The game was played on March 28, 2026.
  • Sayre took a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning.
  • University Heights tied the game 3-3 in the bottom of the second and third innings.
  • Sayre regained the lead 4-3 in the top of the fourth inning.
  • University Heights scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 6-4 lead.
  • Sayre tied the game 6-6 with a two-run triple in the top of the seventh inning.
  • Josh Pace's game-winning single came in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The players

Josh Pace

A player for the University Heights Blazers who hit the game-winning single in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Courtland Gibson

A player for the University Heights Blazers who scored the winning run on Pace's single in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Lachlan Heinrich

A player for the Sayre Spartans who hit the two-run triple in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game.

Ryan Luckey

A player for the University Heights Blazers who had a two-run double in the fourth inning to give the Blazers a 6-4 lead.

Jackson Flynn

The relief pitcher for the University Heights Blazers who picked up the win, going the final 3 1/3 innings and striking out five.

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What they’re saying

“This was a really exciting game between two good teams. Both sides showed a lot of fight and it came down to the final at-bat.”

— Josh Pace, University Heights Blazers Player

What’s next

The win improves University Heights' record to 5-1 on the season. They will look to build on this victory in their next game against a conference opponent.

The takeaway

This close, back-and-forth game between the Blazers and Spartans is a great example of the competitive nature of high school baseball in the region. The dramatic walk-off finish showcases the excitement that can come from evenly matched teams battling until the final out.