LocalSportsJournal.com
WHITEHALL—The Fruitport Trojans made quick work of the Howard City Tri-County Vikings on Thursday afternoon as they scored five runs in the first inning and never looked back. The Trojans won the Division 2 regional baseball game against Tri-County 17-1 in 4 innings.
The game was played at John C. Huizenga Field in Whitehall.
With the win, the Trojans (21-15) advance to the Division 3 regional championship game on Saturday afternoon at Clare High School at 12:30 p.m.
Fruitport will take on Bay City John Glenn, who will come in with a 24-8-1 overall record. The Bobcats advanced to the championship game on Wednesday after defeating Clare 16-0 in 3 innings. Bay City John Glenn is a member of the Tri-Valley Conference 8
On Thursday, Fruitport jumped out to an early 5-0 lead after one inning and kept the foot on the gas the rest of the way.
The Trojans got rolling when Aiden Vela reached on a hit by pitch, followed by a single by Gavin Reames.
Cody Matuz reached on an infield single and Fruitport scored two runs on a throwing error.
The Trojans went on to score five times in the inning, aided by back-to-back singles by Mayson Whitlow and Brady French.
Pitcher Cody Matuz shutdown the Vikings. He pitched three innings with two strikeouts and not walks.
Leading Hitters for Fruitport were Reames with four hits and two RBIs and Matuz with three hits and three RBIs. Whitlow and French had two hits each while French had three RBIs.
Photos courtesy of LSJ photographer Eric Sturr
Fruitport coach Nick Reed signals to his batter as the Trojans enjoy a comfortable lead in the fourth inning.
Gavin Reames pitches the 4th inning in relief to close out the win for Fruitport.
Mayson Whitlow with a pop-up slide on the steal of second base.
Fruitport’s Aiden Vela is waved home on an RBI double by Cody Matuz.
Fruitport shortstop Dillon McWilliams robs Tri-County of a bloop single with the catch in short left field.
Fruitport starter Cody Matuz overpowers Tri-County hitters early in the game.
