2025 Day 5 Recap

12:00 PM Oklahoma MVP (OK) vs. Seattle Blackfins (WA)

The Seattle Blackfins have clinched the final qualification place in Pool A, after defeating MVP Oklahoma 7-5. Paxton Bigby and Brody Blum led the way for the Blackfins, each driving in two runs. Brayden Larson was 2-3 for the Blackfins also driving in a run. 

Lucas Schaefer tried his best to propel Oklahoma MVP into bracket play, going 2-5 with two and driving 3 runs in. Hutch Russell opened the scoring for Oklahoma MVP with a ground-rule double in the first inning. 

Maddux Schrupp got the start for Oklahoma MVP, allowing nine hits and five runs over four and two-thirds innings. Reidar Vane led things off for the Blackfins on the mound, giving up six hits, four runs, striking out 3, and walking five. Cole Hoffman came in to close the game and threw a shutout inning, striking out all 3 batters on his way to earning a save.

3:00 PM: Dodge City A’s (KS) vs. San Diego Stars (CA)

In a game that came down to the wire, Stars third baseman Joe Anderson drove in two runs on a grounder through the gap, giving the Stars an 11-10 walk-off victory over the Dodge City A’s. With the win, the Stars kept their hopes of advancing alive, but they will need some help from the Seattle Studs against the Hutch Monarchs. Dodge will advance, and Stars will be eliminated if Hutch wins.

San Diego Stars designated hitter Nico Salmeri had a great game, going 3-4 at the dish with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Joe Anderson was 2-5 with 1 run scored and 3 RBI, including the game-winning run. Jorge Rijo got the start for the Stars, tossing 3 innings and allowing 3 hits, four runs, and four walks. Bradyn Ross threw two innings in relief, allowing 1 hit and 1 run, but earning the win. 

Ryne Buckley had the biggest hit of the game for the A’s, with a grand slam in the top of the third to put Dodge City back in the game. Jacoby Radciffe made like a bandit, stealing 3 bases in the game. Zach Hoskins was called on to pinch hit in the top of the seventh, hitting a double to left field and driving in two runs. Aydin Ruiz got the start for Dodge City, giving up 4 hits and 7 runs over 1 and 1/3rd innings, and walked 3.

6:00 PM: Seattle Cheney Studs (WA) vs. Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)

The Seattle Studs have clinched the top spot in Pool B, after handing the Hutch Monarchs their first loss of the tournament, winning 9-5. Studs first baseman Jackson Copeland was the Player of the Game, going 4-4 with a double, 2 RBI, 1 run scored, and a walk. Catcher Kai Halstead was 2-3 with 3 runs scored, a solo homerun, 1 RBI, and a walk. Micah Bujacich got the start for the Studs. The righty surrendered 5 hits and 5 runs over three and one-third innings, also striking out 8 batters. Ethan Rattie, Zach Robman, and Michael Lejuene each threw shutout innings in relief for the Studs.

The Monarchs tallied 10 hits to the Studs’ 11, but couldn’t convert their hits into runs. Dylan Bell led the Monarchs with two RBI, while Jaden Gustafson, Jake Gutierrez, and JJ Spafford all collected two hits in the game. Pryce Bender started on the bump for the Monarchs, giving up 7 hits and 6 runs over four and two-thirds innings. Kyle Holzer was excellent in relief, throwing 2 innings and striking out 5, while only allowing 2 hits and 1 unearned run. 

8:30 PM: Lonestar Kraken (TX) vs. Hays Larks (KS)

In a battle for the top seed in Pool A, the Hays Larks jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first. Taber Stokes continued his great play with a double in the 5th for the Larks, while Lane Sparks and Trent Baker both swiped two bases. Nolan Wilson got the start for the Larks, throwing 5 innings, giving up 5 hits, 1 run, walking 5 batters, and striking out 3. 

Chase Pendley got the scoring started for the Kraken, hitting a sac fly to right, allowing Kado Robardey to score from 3rd. Kraken starting pitcher Logan Reid had a rough outing on the bump, only making it through one-third of the first inning, allowing 1 hit, 3 runs, hitting one batter, and walking 3. Josh Livingston cut the Larks’ lead to 2 with a solo shot in the top of the 7th. The difference in the game was the two errors the Kraken committed, allowing the Larks to score 2 runs.