SCARBOROUGH – Alex McLean found a way to add intrigue to a game that already featured its fair share of drama.

McLean’s throwing error created a late-game opportunity for Scarborough. But Marshwood held on and knocked off the Red Storm 7-5 in a Telegram League baseball game Wednesday night.

“I made the effort to get the ball and I wanted that play very badly,” McLean said.

McLean pounced off the mound to corral a grounder with two outs in the seventh inning. A seemingly easy toss to first and the game would be over.

But McLean’s throw sailed high and put runners at second and third.

“I just let the ball get away from me,” he said. “I just rushed it too much, I think.”

A run-scoring, pinch-hit single by Sam Terry followed and suddenly the winning run was at the plate for the Red Storm (4-1). McLean started Sam Wessel off with two balls before being relieved by Jack Verrill, who got Wessel to fly to right to end it.

“I knew we were going to get out of it,” McLean said, “because our defense is very good.”

McLean relieved starter Tony Pappas (2-0) in the sixth and retired five of the first six batters he faced before running into trouble. He also chipped in with a run-scoring double.

It didn’t appear the game would feature much mystery: The Hawks (4-1 and winners of four straight) built a 6-1 lead by the fifth.

Marshwood scored two in the first, added another in the fourth and three in the fifth.

Scarborough rallied in its half of the fifth with three runs to move within 6-4. The bat-around inning ended when Pappas recorded his ninth and final strikeout after an extended at-bat against Sam Wessel.

“I think Pappas did a great job on the mound,” said Marshwood Coach Eric Fernandes, who also applauded right fielder Robert Jones for two key catches in the seventh. “I don’t think the score reflects what he did for his team. I think in the biggest moments of the game he got us strikeouts and he got us out of innings.”

Pappas allowed four runs in five innings.

Both teams enjoyed numerous chances after Marshwood took a 2-1 lead after the first.

The Hawks loaded the bases in the third and fourth but scored only once. Scarborough had the bases loaded in the fourth but came away empty.

“It’s easy to get down 6-1 or whatever and kind of give up,” said Scarborough Coach Mike Coutts. “You know, we were one hit away from tying the game up a lot of innings or even going ahead.”