Keystone 9-11s Secure Victory in Sectional Opener Against Tri-Valley
ATHENS – In a thrilling sectional opener on Sunday, Keystone 9-11s District 12 Champions clinched a narrow victory over Tri-Valley District 11 Champions with a final score of 6-5. The game, held at the Athens baseball field, kicked off sectional play. Keystone delivered the win by building an early lead and holding off a late rally from Tri-Valley.
Keystone got off to a strong start, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding another in the second. Rylin Bathurst got things started for Keystone, driving in two runs. In the second inning, Dylan McDermott doubled, bringing in another run. By the end of the top of the third inning, Keystone had extended their lead to 6-0, capitalizing on a Tri-Valley error.
Dylan McDermott was not only a force at the plate but also dominated on the mound. Starting the game for Keystone, McDermott pitched two scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five batters. His performance set the tone for Keystone’s defense. Brooks Warner came in as relief and pitched three innings, giving up three hits and three runs, though only one of those runs was earned. He struck out three and walked one, maintaining the lead despite Tri-Valley’s mounting pressure. Carter Leone finished the game pitching for Keystone.
Tri-Valley began to close the gap in the bottom of the third inning, scoring their first runs. They scored two in the third, one run in the fourth, and two in the sixth.
Keystone’s offense was relentless. Besides McDermott and Bathurst, Hunter Kisko, Adam Meyer, Jordan Germello, Ryker Packech, Karter Markle, and Brooks Warner each added a hit to the offensive tally of nine. Bathurst and Stafford Ley each had two RBIs.
Despite Tri-Valley’s late push, scoring two more runs in the sixth inning, Keystone’s early lead was enough to for the win. The final score of 6-5 reflected a game that was closely contested till the last out. The victory marks a promising start for Keystone in the sectional competition.
Looking ahead, Keystone 11u is set to play again on Night night at 8:00 p.m., with an opponent to be determined.
