Flag City Sluggers Opening Day 2025
In the team’s first-ever game, the Flag City Sluggers took on the Michigan Monarchs in a contest that ended in the Monarchs’ favor with a final score of 6–4 in front of a crowd of 600. First pitch was thrown by Sluggers pitcher Weston Speir at 7:07 PM, and he started strong, striking out all three batters he faced in the first inning. Speir pitched the first three innings, allowing three hits, walking three, and hitting two batters.
Looking at the Sluggers offensively early on, shortstop Matt Gardner made history by recording the franchise’s first-ever hit and stolen base. On the mound for the Monarchs, Ryan Torok handled the first three innings before handing things over to Johnny Stavola, who gave the Sluggers offense a tough time, allowing just one hit over four innings.
The Monarchs found offensive success in the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th innings with runs scored by third baseman Derek Ruiz, shortstop Christian Holmes, catcher Bren Wilkinson, right fielder Manny Gutierrez, and center fielder Wyatt Epple.
Momentum started to shift in the 8th inning. A miraculous diving catch by pinch-hitting right fielder Will Lafferty and a quick reaction snag from pitcher Cam Baker gave the Sluggers a spark. Stavola was pulled in favor of Joshua Dechane, and Flag City finally started to find their rhythm at the plate.
Entering the bottom of the 8th trailing 5–0, the Sluggers mounted a comeback. Left fielder Ryan Rusch drew a walk and stole second to get into scoring position. He then advanced to third on a flyout by Gardner. Dechane hit catcher Jaxon Brown, putting two on for Flag City. That was followed by a single from third baseman Caleb Smith and a huge double from Will Lafferty, bringing in the first three runs in Sluggers history. Designated hitter Andrew Stechschulte then hit a sacrifice fly to bring Lafferty home, making it a 5–4 game heading into the 9th.
Flag City brought in hometown pitcher Ben Best in hopes of keeping it close. He gave up two hits, one by Monarchs designated hitter Kenny McKinley, who eventually scored due to an outfield error, stretching the Monarchs’ lead to 6–4.
The Sluggers were unable to complete the comeback in the bottom of the 9th, falling just short in their franchise debut.
Flag City is back in action Saturday, June 7th at Fifth Third Field for another matchup against the Monarchs. First pitch is at 7:05 PM—we hope to see you there. Go Sluggers!
