Eastside Catholic fends off Franklin in opening round of Metro baseball tournament

The Eastside Catholic baseball team surrendered a lead late in Monday's Metro baseball tournament opener, but rallied for a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat Franklin 7-6.

The Eastside Catholic baseball team surrendered a lead late in Monday’s Metro baseball tournament opener, but rallied for a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat Franklin 7-6.

The Crusaders allowed the Quakers to score four runs in the top of the seventh inning, tying the game at 6-6 before pitcher Sam Lindquist came in and shut the door.

The Crusaders were led on offense by Rob Granfeld, who was 3-for-4 at the plate with three runs scored and two stolen bases.

Jeffrey Bohling, Andrew Villeneuve and Dan Williams all added two hits for the Crusaders.

Eastside Catholic improved to 15-5 overall with the victory. The Crusaders face West Seattle at 4 p.m., Wednesday in the tournament semifinals at Steve Cox Memorial Park in Seattle.