Milton majors eliminated from state tournament

The Milton Major League All-Stars fell short in the state tournament, losing 4-1 to Naamans July 30 in Newark. 

With the win, Naamans advances to the regional tournament. 

Milton struck first, scoring one run in the bottom of the first inning. Trizton Willey reached base on an error, then Trey Dickinson walked to put runners on first and second. Two batters later, Joe Ruark grounded into a fielder’s choice, scoring Willey and moving Dickinson to third. After another walk, Naamans’ pitcher struck out the next two batters to end the threat. 

Naamans responded in the top of the second with four two-out runs, including a three-run homer. That’s all the scoring either team would generate, as each team’s pitchers and defense kept batters at bay the rest of the game. 

Milton managed just one hit in the game, while Naamans had four. 

Milton stayed alive the night before with a 9-7 win over Middletown, Odessa, Townsend, thanks in large part to an eight-run fifth inning. 

Milton scored one run in the top of the first, but MOT responded with five runs in the bottom of the inning. After the shaky start, Milton allowed just two more runs the rest of the game. 

In the fifth inning, Milton took advantage of six walks and two errors to pile on the runs, as they sent 13 batters to the plate in the inning.

Willey was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a walk. Despite going 0-for-2, Dickinson earned three RBIs and three walks. Ruark filled out the stat sheet going 2-for-5 with an RBI and one run scored. Also tallying RBIs were Micah Workman and Ike Beam. Adding hits were Jordan Williams and Ben Hill. 

Ruark got the start, tossing one inning. He allowed five runs, but none were earned. Willey came in from the bullpen, throwing 4.2 innings, allowing one earned run, striking out four and walking four. Dickinson recorded the final out.