MERKEL - The base paths were crowded last week for both offenses in a high-scoring game where Merkel came out on top against Stanton, 10-6.
Stanton Buffaloes opened up scoring in the first inning, when Aaron Montez singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.
Merkel pulled away for good with three runs in the third inning.
In the third Jack Travis doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring two runs and Merkel scored one run on a stolen base.
Merkel scored six runs in the fourth inning. Merkel batters contributing to the big inning included Joey Zink, Travis, Noel Uglade, and Ryder Dotson, all knocking in runs in the inning.
Dotson earned the victory on the hill for Merkel. The Bulldog lasted one-third of an inning, allowing zero hits and zero runs while striking out one and walking zero. Ryland Pittman threw one and twothirds innings in relief out of the bullpen.
Eli Villa took the loss for Stanton. The righthander allowed one hit and zero runs over one inning, striking out one and walking zero.
Zink started the game for Merkel. The hurler lasted five innings, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out two. Jaedyn Martinez started the game for Stanton and went two and a third innings, allowing three runs on four hits and striking out one
The Buffaloes totaled ten hits. Aidan Galaviz, Montez, and Adam Booth all managed multiple hits. Booth, Montez, and Galaviz each collected two hits to lead the team.
Merkel had 11 hits in the game. Ryan Link, Uglade, and Dotson each managed multiple hits for Merkel. Link went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead Merkel in hits.
Merkel stole 12 bases during the game as four players stole more than one. Link led the way with four.