Muskrats Walk Off Cardinals in 13-12 Nail-Biter
By GameChanger Media

 

In a wild back-and-forth contest, the Granite State Cardinals fell to the Lakes Region Muskrats 13-12 on Sunday, losing on a walk-off run in the bottom of the ninth inning.

 

The game was tied at 12 when Jeff Schaffer drew a walk with the bases loaded to score the winning run. Despite the close loss, the Cardinals put together an impressive 14-hit effort, but the Muskrats’ 12 hits and timely walks proved enough to seal the victory.

 

The Muskrats struck first, scoring on two hit-by-pitches in the bottom of the first, with Matt Finch driving in a run. The Cardinals answered in the fourth when Jamel Vilmont doubled to center, helping tie the game at two.

 

However, the Muskrats exploded in the seventh inning, plating nine runs on six hits—including a two-RBI groundout by Vern Lanphear—to take an 11-2 lead.

 

The Cardinals rallied fiercely in the eighth, scoring six runs on five hits. Key contributions came from Ben Quick, Juan Arias, and Siul Mejia with run-scoring singles, along with a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch and a wild pitch that pushed runs across.

 

In the ninth, the Cardinals took a 12-11 lead on RBI hits by Quick and Mejia, but the Muskrats responded with a pair of hit-by-pitches and a walk to reclaim the lead and win the game.

 

Zach Poisson earned the win in relief, allowing four runs (two earned) over 1⅓ innings. Joe Berman took the loss after giving up two runs in two innings. Camden Andrick started for the Cardinals, pitching six innings and striking out seven. Jake Kleckner started for the Muskrats, striking out 11 over seven innings.

 

Vilmont led the Cardinals offensively with three RBIs, while Nick Vaughns and Mejia each collected three hits. The Muskrats got a big day from Poisson, who went 4-for-6 with two stolen bases, and Finch, who drove in three runs.

 

The Cardinals will look to rebound next Sunday with a split doubleheader against the Merrimack Brewers and Nashua Rockies in Concord, NH.

 

Cardinals Top Performers

⚾ Jamel Vilmont – Led the offense with three RBIs and a clutch double, keeping the Cardinals competitive throughout the game.

⚾ Nick Vaughns – Collected three hits, providing consistent contact and offensive support in the lineup.

⚾ Siul Mejia – Added three hits and key RBIs, including a critical run-scoring single in the late innings.

⚾ Camden Andrick – Strong on the mound with six innings pitched, seven strikeouts, and solid command throughout his start.