WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Crosscutters Catcher, Matthew Graveline, was a driving force both behind and at the plate, aiding the Cutters 7-4 win over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers on Saturday night at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.
Known for their aggressive base running, the Scrappers saw their running game halted early, as Graveline threw out three would-be base stealers in the first four innings of the game. The Scrappers would steal a base in the 9th inning, finishing 1-4 in thefts.
Despite allowing the game’s first run in the top of the 5th inning, Williamsport took advantage of three Scrappers errors in the bottom of the 5th inning, scoring two runs to take a 2-1 lead.
Williamsport added on in the bottom of the 7th inning, using three extra base hits to plate two more runs. Ryan Kennell picked up a hustle double to right-center, followed by a triple from Carlos Castillo and capped by a double from Logan Johnstone, giving the Cutters a 4-1 lead after seven.
Graveline put the finishing touch on the game in the bottom of the 8th inning, tagging a Seth Graham-Pippin offering over the left-centerfield wall. Not only was it Graveline’s first home run of the season, but it was his first hit of the season.
Ryan Kennell had another strong performance at the plate, finishing the night 2-for-4 with his first double of the season. The Gardner-Webb product made a couple fine defensive plays, including a start of an around the horn double play in the 1st inning.
Logan Johnstone upped his hit total to seven, picking up his second double of the season, finishing the night 2-for-5.
Jake Moss got the start for the Cutters and worked four scoreless frames, striking out four batters in the process. The University of Pennsylvania product struck out the side in the 3rd inning. He did not qualify for the win despite his efforts.
Ty Boaudreau was the first out of the Cutters bullpen, allowing one run over an inning of work. Boudreau earned the victory, his first of the season.
Jed Boyle worked a pair of scoreless frames of relief, striking out two Scrappers batters before handing it off to Dakota Stone. Stone surrendered a run over his inning of work.
Sam Swygert struck out the first two batters he faced in the top of the 9th inning, but would see the next four batters reach, scratching across two runs, before striking out Seth Farni to end the game.
Williamsport and Mahoning Valley will conclude this rain-shortened two-game series tomorrow afternoon at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. as it's Clinton County Speedway Day with the first 500 fans through the gates receiving a free pass to the Clinton County Speedway in Mill Hall. It is also the first Baseball Bingo of the season with an opportunity to take home one of ten Shop-Vac prizes.
Ticket's for Sunday's game and all remaining 2025 Williamsport Crosscutters games are still available and can be purchased online at Crosscutters.com/Tickets, by phone at 570-326-3389, or by visiting the Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field Box Office.
Cutters Carvings: Graveline’s home run traveled an estimated 384 feet… Ryan Kennell is 4-8 at the plate over his first two games for the Crosscutters… Cutters pitching struck out 11 batters, walking seven…Williamsport improves to 3-0 on the season with one canceled game...
