WORCESTER — You could say all signs were pointing toward a St. Mary’s win at the College of the Holy Cross’ Fitton Field on Tuesday.

In a Div. 2 semifinal showdown against No. 4 Milton, the top-ranked Spartans led, 5-2, in the fifth inning. Two more innings, and they’d be back in Worcester for this weekend’s championship festivities at Polar Park.

But a game of momentum swings and back-and-forth punches went to Milton, 6-5, in eight innings. St. Mary’s (20-4) was outhit, 12-5, and lost to the Wildcats (18-6) for the second time this spring.

“Our guys have been battling all year and no one deserves it more than them. They put in the work and I’m so proud of them,” said Milton coach Greg Lannon, while his players hugged in celebration behind him. “St. Mary’s is a heck of a ballclub and Coach (Derek) Dana does a great job.”

Win or lose, one of the biggest — and loudest — plays of the evening belonged to Kyle Doney, who roped a bases-clearing double to put St. Mary’s ahead by three runs in the fifth.

“I thought Kyle had a huge game,” Dana said. “I felt very good seeing him get that double.”

But in the top of the sixth inning, Milton rattled off three consecutive runs. As for the bottom half, pitcher John Ghelli delivered a 1-2-3 inning and sat the Spartans down in a hurry.

“He’s been our guy all year in relief. He wants the ball, he’s a senior, and one of our captains. I don’t even know what to say,” Lannon said. “The message (after trailing by three runs) was that we’re going to keep competing. Guys came through and that’s what it came down to.”

The Spartans had a golden opportunity to punch their title-game ticket in the seventh inning. After Jacob Peterson reached first base, pinch runner Jack Spates stole second. Some poor communication from Milton led to Nate Cutone reaching first base on a dribbler.

Later in the inning, however, a pair of Spartans were left on second and third base as St. Mary’s struck out looking.

“We didn’t do some things that we’re quite capable of doing,” Dana said. “We had a number of chances to put this game away.”

Milton’s Peter Buckley scored Peter Mullen with a single up the middle during the eighth inning (6-5).

St. Mary’s showed promise in the bottom half with Hagen Parent recording a walk. But a pop-up bunt, an out at second, and a last-chance strikeout ended the Spartans’ season.

“I give Milton all the credit in the world — they went punch for punch to come back — and I just wish we played a better game,” Dana said. “No excuses and it’s the state tournament. I just know we’re capable of a better game than that. They (Wildcats) swung the sticks and are well-coached, good kids. I wish them nothing but the best.”

St. Mary’s broke the ice in the first inning, as Michael DeMaino scored after an overthrown ball to first (1-0). He scored again in the fifth inning with the RBI going to Jackson Finn (2-2).

“Hagen Parent started off great with some catches in left field. Kalen Huddle, playing second base, made some nice plays,” Dana said. “This group, I think they had three 20-win seasons, two semifinals, and a state final, so they’ve had some success. I would’ve liked to see this team compete for a state championship. That being said, I’m very proud of these guys and it was a great year.”

St. Mary’s Rolky Brea-Arias got the start and pitched three innings. In relief, DeMaino tossed a 1-2-3 fifth inning, while Doney did so in the sixth.