BADGER BREAKS DOWN THE MUSTANGS

ORWELL OH-  The Mustangs struck first, plating a run in the opening frame and tacking on another in the third to go up 2-0. But the Braves stayed patient and pounced when it counted.

They knotted things up in the fourth thanks to an error and a productive out by Emily O’Brien, then flipped the game on its head in the fifth. Riley Thomas ripped a double to center, Autumn Yesko followed with a base knock to left, and Skylar Demarco roped a double down the line—three straight RBI swings to give Badger the lead for good.

In the circle, Samantha Bradbury went the distance, battling through some traffic. She gave up 11 hits and six runs (five earned) but racked up 11 punchouts across seven innings to earn the W.

Demarco made noise out of the eight-hole, driving in four runs on a 2-for-4 night. She wasn’t alone—Thomas, Yesko, and Sarah Miller all posted multi-hit games, and the Braves showed good discipline at the dish, drawing five free passes.

Grand Valley didn’t go quietly, pounding out 11 hits of their own. Breanna Rowland went a perfect 4-for-4, and both Ady Kovacic and Jenna Poyer drove in a pair. Kaitlyn Baumann swiped two bags to keep pressure on. The Braves get right back at it Thursday as they host Lordstown.