The ConVal Mets narrowly defeated the ConVal RockHounds 12-11 in Cal Ripken Minor League play last Monday in Francestown.
Kaiden Bateman started strong for the RockHounds and struck out 9 over 3 innings, with the team allowing only 2 runs. Aggressive base running by Jason Way, Meric Grenier, Dylon Pelletier, Aidan Learn, Stephen Simard, and Hannah Hardwick had the RockHounds leading 6-2 by the third inning. The RockHound’s bats came alive in the 4th inning with William Simard hitting a single, Jack Harris hitting a RBI single, and Kaiden Bateman hitting a RBI double. Oren Gallagher debuted in the Minors, hitting a powerful fly to shallow right center. Matthew Palmer continues to make pitchers work hard, protecting the plate, and earned three straight walks. RockHound’s younger pitching staff continue to gain experience with each outing. Aidan and Ryan Tatro both worked hard on the mound in the final two innings. Catcher Dylon Pelletier made a beautiful catch of a foul ball down the third base line in the final inning. Meric Grenier and Pelletier continue to be solid as brick walls behind the plate.
David Murray made his first pitching appearance of the season and got the win allowing 4 hits while striking out 4 batters. Gus Hatmaker picked up the save striking out 3-of-5 RockHounds in the bottom of the sixth. Offensively, the Mets were led by Avery Pelletier, who had 2 singles and 2 doubles and David Murray and Ryan Close with one hit each.
The two teams battled in the 4th, with the Mets scoring 5 and the RockHounds 4. In the 5th the Mets pulled ahead scoring 5 to win the game.
The ConVal Mets and ConVal RockHounds met for the second night in a row on Tuesday, with the Mets winning over the RockHounds 14-3 in Francestown.
Jason Way worked hard on the mound for the RockHounds and struck out 3 over 3 innings. Way was relieved by Stephen Simard in the 3rd, taking the mound for the first time in his Minors career. Simard gave a solid performance striking out two through the 4th, and assisting an out at first base.
The RockHound’s pitchers were helped by great defense at shortstop by Kaiden Bateman securing 2 outs, first base by Simard with 1 out, first base by Bateman with 2 outs, and by catcher Meric Grenier who tagged one out and assisted in another at first base. Bats were quiet for the game, but aggressive base running by Grenier, Aidan Learn, and Way gave the RockHounds 3 in the 2nd.
The pitching combination of Bennett Saxe and Carter Rousseau held the RockHounds hitless while striking out 7 batters. The Mets’ pitching staff was supported by the strong defensive play of David Murray, Garret Rousseau and Avery Pelletier.
The Mets slugged out 7 hits, with several batters contributing. Bennett Saxe led all hitters going 2-for-3 with 2 doubles and David Murray went 2-for-2. Avery Pelletier and the Rousseau brothers each had one hit.
The Mets finished the Regular season with a record of 8-2.