The Express' round 2 playoff win vs the Monarchs didn't come without drama. Rockville was powered by a huge 8th inning comeback to stay alive in the playoffs.

For a large part of the game the Express seemed uninspired. Still seeming  sluggish offensively following a disastrous showing in the 1st round loss on Saturday, the team surrendered 3 runs in the 1st inning and trailed 4-0 in the 6th when the momentum shifted.

The Monarchs grounded into a double play, with the play at 1st base seeming close, a Monarchs coach asked for a review. After the review, the out call was upheld, causing the coach to erupt and get himself tossed. Another coach was later ejected between innings for arguing the same call.

The series of events seemed to light a fire under the Express, who held firm with scoreless relief efforts by Will Heyse and Ryan Lawrence, and a terrific catch by right fielder Jake Witter.

The offense stayed cold against the Monarchs, until back to back hits from Witter and Jack Morin to open the 8th caused them to pull their starter. 

Rockville then walked in a pair of runs and Will Gisrael followed with a game-tying, 2 run single. Bronson Taylor then scored on a wild pitch to give Rockville its first lead of the game at 5-4. That score would remain, as Andrew Kummer retired the Monarchs in order to earn the save.

Gisrael was named player of the game for his game tying single, saying that he had "good at bats earlier in the game" and "was trying to attack a fastball to take to the opposite field, which I ended up getting and taking advantage of." When asked about the rest of the playoffs, Gisrael said "I think we can win it all now."

The dramatic win saved the Express' season, as their playoff run continues Tuesday