LocalSportsJournal.com
The Muskegon Clippers opened the National Amateur Baseball Federation World Series in Toledo, Ohio with two victories on Thursday in pool play.
The Clippers cruised past the Capital City Reds (Ottawa, Ontario) 13-0 in their first game, then overcame an early
deficit in Game 2 to win in walk-off fashion 8-7 over the Crystal Lake Cardinals (Chicago, Illinois).
In Game 1, Muskegon’s starting pitcher Austin Batka tossed the win while Nick Holt pitched in relief. Both pitchers struck out nine batters combined while only allowing three hits.
The Clippers jumped out to an early 6-0 lead after the first inning and had a total of 13 hits.
Logan Fleener, Connor Glick, Will Harris, Andrew Null and Jacob Buchberger paced the Clippers with two hits each.
In Game 2, the Clippers fell behind 6-1 after the first inning before scoring six runs in the third inning to take a 7-6 advantage.
The Cardinals responded with a run in the seventh inning to tie the game 7-7 before Harris doubled in the game-winning run in the ninth inning.
Holt pitched the victory in relief while starting pitcher Jackson Shaver took a no-decision, tossing seven innings for Muskegon.
Fleener paced the Clippers with two singles, while Harris, Null, and Tyler Trovinger each added a double.
The Clippers will face the Toledo Hawks on Friday morning, looking to end pool play with a perfect record.
Congratulations Clippers! Good luck today!