Laroche, McCluskey Lead Cardinals Past MudDucks in Lopsided Victory
By GameChanger Media

Jordan McCluskey put on a show Sunday, driving in seven runs to help the Granite State Cardinals storm past the Meredith MudDucks in a dominant 27-5 victory. His day included an inside-the-park grand slam in the fifth inning, along with run-scoring singles in the first and second.

Despite trailing 5-1 early, the Cardinals erupted for 26 unanswered runs over four innings, flipping the game in their favor with relentless offense and plate discipline.

The comeback started in the bottom of the second when McCluskey’s two-run single capped a six-run frame that gave the Cardinals a 7-5 lead. An eight-run third inning followed—fueled by just one hit but aided by multiple walks, passed balls, and errors.

The fifth inning delivered the knockout blow. The Cardinals poured in nine more runs on three hits, punctuated by McCluskey’s bases-clearing inside-the-park home run.

Jake Laroche led the hit parade with a 4-for-5 performance, while adding six runs batted in. Siul Mejia drew four of the team’s 20 total walks—highlighting the Cardinals’ patience at the plate. Kevin Veilleux added a two-run double in the fifth.

On the mound, Meredius Pendell earned the win with a steady six-inning outing. He allowed five runs (only two earned) on nine hits, struck out six, and walked three.

MudDucks had early momentum, capitalizing on a pair of first-inning errors and a Chris Guilmette RBI single to take a 4-0 lead. They added another run in the second on another error, but couldn’t score again. Guilmette, Brendon Vaughn, Josh Guilmette, and Ethan Cady each collected two hits for the MudDucks, who matched the Cardinals with nine hits.

Next up for the Granite State Cardinals is a road test against the Granite State Grizzlies next Sunday.

Cardinals Top Performers

⚾ Jordan McCluskey – The game’s clear MVP, driving in seven runs including an unforgettable inside-the-park grand slam that ignited the Cardinals’ rally.

⚾ Jake Laroche – A powerhouse at the plate, going 4-for-5 with six RBIs, providing steady offensive production throughout the game.

⚾ Siul Mejia – Demonstrated excellent plate discipline by drawing four walks and contributing key at-bats that kept the Cardinals’ offense rolling.

⚾ Meredius Pendell – Earned the win on the mound with a solid six-inning outing, allowing just two earned runs, striking out six, and walking three.