MUSTANGS MARCH PAST RED RAIDERS IN PAINESVILLE

Photo Credit: Jocyln Nicholas

Painesville, OH- In a decisive victory over the Harvey Red Raiders in Painesville on Monday, the Grand Valley Mustangs showcased the strength of their bottom lineup, securing a 12-2 win. Trenton Murduck, Justin Hagan, and Gage Mast emerged as key contributors, combining for five of the team’s eight hits while scoring four runs and driving in six.

The turning point came with a remarkable seven-run surge in the fifth inning. Kamden Cottrell kicked off the offensive onslaught by drawing a walk, followed by Austin Hall’s single, Trenton Murduck’s double driving in two runs, and Joey DiAlfredi’s fielder’s choice resulting in another run. Gage Mast’s groundout and Payton Plizga’s double added to the scoring frenzy.

The Mustangs had earlier opened the scoring in the fourth inning when Hagan’s single brought in two runs.

Eric Ellsworth delivered a stellar performance on the mound for Grand Valley, earning the win by pitching four scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while striking out eight and walking three. Meanwhile, Trent Hull took the loss for the Harvey Red Raiders, pitching four innings and giving up three runs on five hits, with nine strikeouts and two walks. Plizga made an appearance in relief for Grand Valley.

Murduck and Hagan showcased their prowess in the lineup, each collecting two hits, with Hagan driving in three runs from the eighth spot. The Mustangs demonstrated discipline at the plate, accumulating seven walks, with Blake Taylor, Plizga, and John Foss leading the team with two walks each.

For the Harvey Red Raiders, Aidan Englehart and Brandon Bildstein contributed with one RBI each, while Hull led the team with three hits in four at-bats and stole two bases. Overall, the Red Raiders managed to steal four bases in the game.

With their sights set on another victory, the Mustangs anticipate a rematch against the Red Raiders at home on Tuesday.