LAKERS RIDE THE WAVE PAST WARRIORS
Photo Credit: Kelly Summers Photography
Story by Larry Jennings
East Ashtabula, OH- In game 2 of a double header at Edgewood High School, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers clashed with the Edgewood Varsity Warriors in a baseball showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite a hard-fought battle, the Warriors ultimately fell short, facing an 8-6 defeat on their home turf on Saturday.
The game showcased standout performances from both teams, with Alex Spurduto leading the charge for the Warriors with an impressive three-hit display. Spurduto’s versatility at the plate was evident, highlighted by his solo home run in the fifth inning, a double in the third, and a single in the first.
Despite Spurduto’s efforts, the Lakers and Warriors engaged in a fierce back-and-forth struggle, with the lead shifting hands multiple times. Pymatuning Valley capitalized on a crucial error in the seventh inning, seizing the momentum and securing a decisive advantage over the Warriors.
The Lakers struck early, scoring a run in the opening inning on a balk to grab an initial lead. However, the Warriors quickly responded in the bottom of the first, as Riley Baldwin’s timely single drove in two runs, giving Edgewood an early advantage.
The game’s momentum swung back and forth, with Pymatuning Valley regaining the lead in the third inning on a double by Haynes and a sacrifice fly by Smith. Yet again, the Warriors rallied, with Sean Lincoln’s pivotal single driving in two runs to put Edgewood ahead.
In a contest marked by momentum shifts, both teams showcased resilience. Spurduto’s fifth-inning home run extended the Warriors’ lead, but Pymatuning Valley fought back with a run in the sixth. Zane Naylor’s sixth-inning solo homer provided hope for the Warriors, but the Lakers’ late surge secured the win.
Drake Haines and Landon Paul led the Lakers with two hits each, with Haines contributing three RBIs. Ty Vickery scored three runs for the Lakers, while Seth Bryan earned the win on the mound with five strikeouts in 6-1/3 innings.
Despite the loss, the Warriors displayed determination, with pitcher Logan Kray battling on the mound and Baldwin and Lincoln delivering crucial hits. As they prepare to face Conneaut in their next matchup, the Warriors remain focused on bouncing back and continuing to compete at a high level.
Meanwhile, the Lakers look ahead to their upcoming clash with the Lakeside Dragons on Monday, aiming to maintain their momentum and secure another victory on the road.
