North Star extended their winning streak to three on Friday, bumping them up to 3-3. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 7-6 W against the Blacklick Valley Vikings. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Bryson Durst
| 04/10/26 vs Blacklick Valley | 9 |
| 04/23/25 @ Glendale | 7 |
| 04/01/25 @ Blacklick Valley | 6 |
| 03/24/26 @ Claysburg-Kimmel | 4 |
| 04/28/25 @ Meyersdale | 4 |
Bryson Durst was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out nine batters over 6.2 innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off nine hits (and not a single walk). Those nine strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Noah Holcomb, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of North Star's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 0-3 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Noah Lasky, who went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and one run.
North Star was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .303 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
As for Blacklick Valley, they now have a losing record of 2-3. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Like North Star, Blacklick Valley also got a great game from a two-way player: Aiden Boring. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over 5.1 innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off eight hits. Boring was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with three RBI and one double. That double was his first of the season.
In other batting news, Eli Sheesley made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs. John Mourey also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. North Star will take on Windber at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Blacklick Valley, they will square off against Harmony Area at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The Owls have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 10.89 runs per game on average), something the Vikings will no doubt try to take advantage of.
