'STANGS NET WILD MARATHON WIN' (Latest News)

Nate Mayben, the manager of the Medford Mustangs, was foresighted when he predicted Sunday night that his team's matchup with the Hillsboro Barbers in the winner's bracket would be a struggle.

Medford's second triumph of the American Legion AAA state championship was quick and efficient, but Monday was drawn out and nerve-wracking.

The Mustangs rallied in the 11th inning to upset the Barbers 7-6 in a back-and-forth prize fight between two unbeaten teams.

Mayben praised the entire team's performance. "I'm proud of their perseverance and calmness. They were a fairly mature squad given how young they are, never too up or down."

Rutigliano bunted perfectly to the left side, but Hillsboro's fifth relief pitcher drew away to let Dakota Chun field it. The moment of delay caused the hasty throw to miss first base as Rutigliano ran to the bag.

"Frankie bunted perfectly," said Mayben. "Aiden watched the throw and made a play."

"Frankie bunted perfectly," said Mayben. "Aiden watched the throw and made a play."

Medford stranded runners in the eighth and ninth before scoring in the 11th. Miller and Horsley went 3-for-5 with two runs and one RBI, and Borragine, Sewell, and Douglas each had two hits.