Merrill dropped to 4-4 on Monday, ending the team's three-game streak of wins on the road. They came up short against the Vestaburg Wolverines, falling 13-2. The Vandals were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Wolverines earlier this season, when they won 9-3.
As for Vestaburg, their victory ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 6-9. That looming 13-2 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for them yet this season.
For Vestaburg's part, Jansen Scholer was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits (and only one walk). Scholer has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2025.
In other batting news, Vestaburg let Brayden Clements and Lucas Bunton run wild. Clements got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double, while Bunton went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Bunton has become a key player for Vestaburg: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 3-8 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Colton Halgren, who went 1-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
We've got plenty of inter-league action coming up soon. Merrill is set to take on their familiar foe Carson City-Crystal at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Vestaburg will face off against rival Sacred Heart Academy at 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps