A 13-run fourth inning propelled Utica to a decisive 17-3 victory over Johnstown-Monroe on Monday at 5920 Johnstown-Utica Road NE.
According to the game summary, Utica initially took the lead when Aidyn Burgess delivered an RBI single in the first inning. Johnstown-Monroe briefly led in the third, as Landon Myers singled down the left-field line and Sam Marasek drew a bases-loaded walk, each bringing in a run. Utica responded quickly in the bottom half of the inning with Elijah Bland launching a two-run home run to left field, and a defensive error brought in another run, giving the Redskins a 4-2 lead.
The game opened up significantly in the fourth inning. Utica sent 17 batters to the plate and scored 13 runs on seven hits. Bland, Gaige Spray, Colton Palmer, and Gavin Tussey each drove in two runs during this rally, while Braxton Fisher added an RBI single and Weston Simon drew a bases-loaded walk. Two errors also contributed to this scoring outburst.
Burgess earned the win for Utica by allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits over five innings. He struck out five and walked two. Conner Sullivan took the loss for Johnstown-Monroe, conceding eight runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings.
Utica tallied 13 hits overall. Bland led their offense by going 3-for-4 with five RBIs. Fisher, Burgess, Tussey, and Spray also had multi-hit games. The Redskins drew seven walks and swiped 12 bases, with multiple steals from Simon, Fisher, Tussey, and Spray.
Myers, Braeden Archibald, and Carter Holbrook each had two hits for Johnstown-Monroe. The team is set to return to action Tuesday against Heath.
