Cochranton had lost six straight at home, but on Monday they dropped down to 1-11 to make it seven. They fell just short of the Rocky Grove Orioles by a score of 7-5. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 16, 2024, but that streak is no more.
Walker Carroll was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off five hits (and not a single walk). He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
In other batting news, Brady Rynd made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Brayden Burnette, who went 1-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
As for Rocky Grove, they now have a winning record of 7-6. They haven't had any issues with Cochranton recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
On Rocky Grove's side, Haydon Bevier spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and four unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up seven Ks. The Orioles are 4-2 when Bevier allows one or fewer earned runs, but 3-4 otherwise.
At the plate, Xavier Gordon was excellent, going 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. He has become a key player for Rocky Grove: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-6 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Isaac Grigsby, who got on base in two of his four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Cochranton didn't take long to hit the field again: they've already played their next matchup, an 8-0 victory against Jamestown on the 4th. As for Rocky Grove, they have also already played their next game, a 4-2 defeat against Saegertown on the 2nd.
