Portage extended their losing streak to six on Tuesday, dropping their season record down to 3-12 in the process. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost an 8-6 heartbreaker at the hands of the United Lions. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Mustangs have suffered since May 24, 2024.
Jake McCoy put in work while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and seven unearned) runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one RBI.
In other batting news, Easton Slanoc was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one double. That triple was his first of the season. Nathan Phillips was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs.
As for United, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 7-8. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games.
Like Portage, United also got a great game from a two-way player: Ryan Felix. He pitched six innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off ten hits. Felix was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
In other pitching news, Ethan Chilenski looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. United is 2-1 when Chilenski allows one or fewer hits, but 5-7 otherwise.
Felix wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Shaydon Oleksa, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Portage is set to take on their familiar foe Conemaugh Township at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, United will challenge rival Cambria Heights at 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
