RAMS ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL

MINERAL RIDGE OH-  Mineral Ridge shook off an early mess and stormed back to take down Niles 10-6 on Thursday, flipping a five-run hole into a statement win.

Niles jumped out early thanks to five walks in the top of the first. Ridge starter Nick Anderson had trouble finding the zone, handing out eight free passes in just one inning of work. Niles made him pay, cashing in five quick runs without a hit.

But the Rams didn’t flinch. They punched back in the third, sparked by a two-run knock from Brody Molina and a bases-loaded walk from AJ Sandy that tied things up. From there, it was all Ridge.

The real game-changer came on the hill—Jack Gillie came out of the bullpen and shoved for six innings, allowing just four hits and one unearned run while striking out seven. He didn’t walk a single batter, slamming the brakes on the Dragons’ offense.

At the plate, Ridge racked up 10 hits. Jackson Geddes, Gavin Harding, and Sandy all had multi-hit days. Geddes, Molina, Andrew Gillie, and Ethan Vestorsky each knocked in a pair as the offense kept the pressure on.

Niles did their damage early and stayed patient all game, drawing eight walks. Brian Parsons Jr., AJ Yost, Brennen Hodge, and Brixton Gilmour all chipped in a hit, while five different Dragons drove in runs. But once the Ridge bullpen settled in, they couldn’t string anything together. Next up, the Rams hit the road to McDonald on Monday looking to stay hot.