LADY LAKERS SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT IN WALK-OFF BY MUSTANGS

Vienna, OH- In a heartbreaking finish, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers found themselves on the wrong side of a 3-2 defeat to the Mathews Mustangs on Thursday, falling victim to a walk-off hit in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Despite the loss, both teams showcased strong pitching performances. Mathews’ pitchers recorded an impressive 18 strikeouts, while the Lakers’ pitching staff managed to retire four Mathews batters.

Mathews took an early lead in the second inning when M. Hufford launched a solo home run to center field. However, the Lakers rallied in the top of the third as Nataleigh Haines delivered a clutch single, bringing in two runs and giving Pymatuning Valley the lead at 2-1.

The game took a dramatic turn in the bottom of the seventh when A. Shugart’s home run tied the score at two runs apiece. Mathews then secured the win in the bottom of the eighth.

O. Matheny earned the win for Mathews, pitching a solid eight innings and striking out 18 batters. Meanwhile, Saige Payne took the loss for the Lakers, pitching seven and one-third innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits.

Haines led the Lakers’ offensive effort with two RBIs, while leadoff hitter Allison Clark contributed three hits in four at-bats.

For Mathews, R. Paddock led the way with two hits from the leadoff position, and Newsome, Hufford, and Shugart each drove in a run.

Despite the defeat, the Lakers displayed solid defense, committing no errors throughout the game. However, Mathews’ strong pitching and timely hitting ultimately decided the outcome.

The Pymatuning Valley Lakers look to bounce back in their next game against Harding on Friday, aiming to turn the tide and secure a victory