WILLIAMS LOCKED IN FOR HERALDS IN WIN OVER LAKERS
Photo Credit: Kristy Call
ASHTABULA, OH – In front of their home crowd at Smith Field, the Saint John Heralds sealed the 2025 NAC Conference title in dominant fashion, defeating conference rival Pymatuning Valley 10-2 on their home turf.
The Heralds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Ryan Williams grounded out to bring in the game’s first run, followed by a clutch RBI double to center field from Kyle Hejduk to make it 2-0.
Saint John kept the pressure on in the second, adding three more runs thanks to RBI singles from Will Anderson and Ezra Campbell. By the end of the third inning, the Heralds had built a commanding 8-0 lead, highlighted by a two-run double off the bat of Brady Cole and a run scored on a passed ball.
On the mound, freshman Carson Williams delivered a gritty performance. The right-hander went five innings, allowing just three hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out five and walking five. His counterpart, Wludyga, started for the Lakers and struggled against the Heralds’ potent lineup, surrendering 10 runs (six earned) on nine hits over four innings.
Ezra Campbell led the charge offensively for Saint John, driving in four runs and going 2-for-4 from the three-hole. He was one of four Heralds with multiple hits, joined by Chase Newsome, Brady Cole, and Kyle Hejduk. Newsome also showcased his speed with two stolen bases, part of a six-steal performance by the team.
Pymatuning Valley managed just three hits on the day, with Croston, Wludyga, and Smith each contributing one. Smith went 1-for-2 with an RBI, driving in one of the Lakers’ two runs.
With the NAC championship now secured, Saint John will look to keep the momentum rolling as they head to Jefferson Area for their next matchup on Monday.