WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Defensive gems from Jackson Mayo and Vantrel Reed sparked the Crosscutters offense in their defeat of the Trenton Thunder, snapping a 12-game losing streak on Thursday night at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.
Tyler Valdez returned to Williamsport, and gave the Cutters four strong innings on the hill. The right-hander allowed two runs in the first but was able to settle in, finishing the night with the two runs allowed on four hits and a walk. He struck out for Trenton batters in the no decision.
Josh Leerssen took over in the top of the 5th inning and was aided by a brilliant, all out, diving catch in left field by Jackson Mayo. The catch ended the top of the 5th, but provided some juice to the Williamsport bats.
The Cutters offense had been held in check through the first four innings by Trenton starter Luis Misla, but they were able to ride the momentum into the bottom of the 5th, loading the bases for Michael Zarrillo.
Zarrillo was able to go down and hook a Dosie Drakeford offering down the right field line, clearing the bases and giving the Cutters a 3-2 lead, their first lead of the night.
Trenton would tie the game against Leerssen in the top of the 7th inning, but the Cutters bats were able to respond in the bottom of the 7th as Vantrel Reed clubbed a double to left-center. After Reed advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch from Mile Garrett, Mayo flared a single into center, scoring Reed to give Williamsport a 4-3 lead.
Reed wasn’t done however, making a phenomenal catch in shallow center in the top of the 8th inning, helping to dampen a potential late rally for the Thunder.
In the top of the 9th inning, Christian Reyes as able to throw out a would-be base stealer at 3rd, erasing the tying run at the time.
Jed Boyle would complete his second inning of work by striking out John Schroeder to slam the door on his fourth save of the season. Boyle tossed a pair of scoreless innings to close it out.
The Cutters look to take the series against Trenton on Friday night. First pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Cutters Carvings: The win snapped the longest losing streak in Crosscutters franchise history and gave Williamsport their first win of the month of July… Reed’s three-hit game was the first for the Cutters at home since June 13th… Trenton stole a season-high 10 bases in the loss…
