Sluggers Are Victorious in Extra Innings
Flag City came out on top for the second straight night, defeating the Muskegon Clippers 7–6 in a sudden death 11th inning thriller.
Starting on the mound for the Clippers was Nathan Masar, who went four strong innings and quickly handled the Sluggers' top of the lineup in the first. For Flag City, Hayden Gilmore got the start and also retired the first three batters he faced.
Things picked up in the top of the 3rd. Designated Hitter Ashton Williams drew a walk, and Left Fielder Carter Mottice followed with another walk to put runners on first and third. First Baseman Harrison Engskov came through with a double to bring both runners home and give the Sluggers a 2–0 lead heading into the bottom half.
Muskegon answered right back. Catcher Casey Joppie was hit by a pitch, and Second Baseman Braden Graves walked to put two on. Center Fielder Ashton Wong hit a double to right to tie the game at 2. After a strikeout, First Baseman Holden Baker ripped a double to drive in a run, followed by a single from Designated Hitter Joseph Chrapliwy to bring home Baker and put the Clippers ahead 4–2 after three innings.
In the 5th, Maxwell Salas came in for Masar. Mottice walked and stole second, setting up another RBI opportunity for Engskov, who drove him in with a single. After Catcher Andrew Stechschulte walked, Right Fielder Tanner Powell stepped up and roped a triple to bring both runners home, giving Flag City a 5–4 lead.
In the bottom of the inning, Jacob Brandon entered in relief for Flag City. Third Baseman Casey Barnes singled and stole second, then scored on another RBI single from Baker to tie things at 5.
Connor Kelly took over on the mound for Muskegon in the 6th. Center Fielder Will Lafferty singled, and with two outs, Second Baseman Brett Reed drove him in with a base hit to give the Sluggers a 6–5 edge. But the Clippers wouldn’t stay quiet. Talmadge Davis took the hill for Flag City and quickly got two outs before Shortstop Taylor Head singled. A wild pitch moved Head to second, and Joppie knocked him in to make it 6–6.
The game remained tied through the 9th and 10th innings, with both bullpens holding firm. That set the stage for a sudden death 11th.
Charlie Smith began the inning at first base. A passed ball by the Clippers' catcher allowed him to advance to third. Cameron Baker then stepped in and delivered the walk-off single that brought Smith home—clinching a 7–6 win and the Sluggers' second straight victory.