Manassas Park had lost seven straight at home dating back to last season, but on Thursday they dropped down to 1-11 to make it eight. They came up short against the Handley Judges, falling 14-3. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Judges this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 17-7 back in March.
Manassas Park saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Xavier Tickle, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI. Logan Hummeldorf also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
As for Handley, they moved to 3-10 with that win, which also ended their seven-game losing streak. That looming 14-3 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for them yet this season.
On Handley's side, Jacob Swartz and Jaxon Pardue were major factors while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Swartz didn't allow a single hit and allowed only one earned run while striking out six over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, Pardue pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Swartz also allowed no hits, which is notable because Handley is 2-1 when he allows at most one hit, but 1-9 otherwise. At the plate, Swartz went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one run, while Pardue went a perfect 1-for-1 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Those two RBI gave Pardue a new career-high.
In other batting news, Zy'Air Ford was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Everett Otto, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Manassas Park will challenge Park View at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. As for Handley, they will take on Rock Ridge at 6:00 p.m. on Monday.
