Swanger powers Phoenix past Rams for first win, 12-2

By Bees O’Brien

LOCK HAVEN- Sugar Valley’s Brody Swanger was in the zone at Taggert Park Thursday afternoon. Swanger and his Phoenix squad blasted past visiting Columbia Montour Vo Tech 12-2 behind a 7 hit attack that seen Swanger deliver 3 of those hits. He also scored 3 runs and knocked in 3 more.

The Rams jumped out to a 1-0 lead following their first at bat. The Phoenix tied things up in the bottom of the second inning before a 5-run burst from Sugar Valley in the third inning.

The Phoenix kept after CMVT by crossing a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to hold a 7-1 lead.

Sugar Valley closed out the game by scoring 3 runs in the fifth inning to counter the Rams lone run in the top of the fifth inning.

The Phoenix added their final run in the bottom of the sixth inning to force a 10-run rule.

Swanger’s 3 hits led the way for the 1-5 Phoenix. He collected a triple and a double. Dakota Jodun had a 2-hit day and Tobias Conway added a double. Grayson Hastings also added a single in the win.

Layden Bryan had a strong afternoon on the hill. Bryan pitched 6 innings while striking out 10 batters. Bryan did not give up an earned run.

Sugar Valley will be looking for their first winning streak of 2025 when they host Williamson on Monday.