Koch Keys Comeback for L.A. Lutheran, 8-7

Senior shortstop Tim Koch’s home run in the bottom of the seventh inning capped a dramatic comeback and enabled L.A. Lutheran High to get an 8-7 Alpha League victory over L.A. Baptist Friday night in Burbank.

Trailing 7-3 in the sixth inning, the Lions scored four times to tie the game and set up what Koch described as “the biggest highlight of my life.”

Leading off the seventh, Koch slugged Knight pitcher Dan Cory’s first offering well over right fielder Eric Dickson and sprinted around the bases.

Koch’s teammates greeted him at home plate with high fives.

“I knew we needed a big blow,” Koch said. “The catcher said to watch out for the bunt but I said ‘Don’t worry because there’s no way I’m bunting.’ ”

“I’m just ecstatic,” Lions Coach Jake Marty said. “We got our tails kicked by Webb Tuesday and then we fall behind 7-3 tonight. We could have given up but we didn’t. I’m just very proud of our guys.”

Left fielder Greg Rosza ignited the four-run sixth inning with a single. He moved to third on a double to right-center field by Gary Dempsey and both players scored on a single by Dave Willweber.

Willweber promptly scored on a triple by Brad Davis. Davis scored when second baseman Steve Phillips’ relay throw rolled out of play.

The Lions improved to 5-2-1 overall and 3-1 in league. L.A. Baptist dropped to 3-5 and 2-2.