Milton extended their losing streak to 15 on Saturday, dropping their season record down to 2-15 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 14-13 heartbreaker at the hands of the Midd-West Mustangs. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Mustangs this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 16-13 back in April.
Milton got a big performance out of Dominic Lytle, who went 3-for-5 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. Another player making a difference was Owen Woolsey, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
As for Midd-West, their win ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 5-11. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory they have posted against Milton since April 8, 2019.
On Midd-West's side, Kaden Walter made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and seven unearned) runs off seven hits. Walter has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in five of his six plate appearances with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. He is becoming a predictor of Midd-West's success: when he posts at least three RBI the team is undefeated (and 2-11 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Midd-West let Braxton Smith and Derek Keister run wild. Smith went 2-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI, while Keister went 4-for-5 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. Smith has become a key player for Midd-West: the team is 4-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 1-10 otherwise. Kyle Shupp was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two runs and one double.
Looking ahead, Milton will be playing at home against Jersey Shore at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The Black Panthers are facing the Bulldogs at the right time seeing as the Bulldogs are stuck on a five-game losing streak. As for Midd-West, they have already played their next contest, an 8-5 win against Mifflinburg on the 10th.
