By Joshua Yoder

BURNHAM – It ultimately came down to who could capitalize on their opportunities and it was the Mount Union Trojans who did just that in their 2-0 victory over the Mifflin County Huskies during a non-conference baseball game Friday night.

It should be noted that Mifflin County was hosting the Gold Out game which was raising money for Pediatric Cancer.

The Huskies were also honoring the future of Mifflin County baseball as they welcomed several teams from the Cal Ripken Jr Baseball league from both Major and Minor divisions.

Both Mount Union and Mifflin County starting pitchers came to play starting Trojan pitcher Davin Yocum went the distance striking out one, walking none and leaving the Mifflin County offense without a run.

“Davin (Yocum) just did a masterpiece of a job,” Trojan coach Tim Hicks said.

For the Huskies, Parker Crownover took to the mound and was wheeling and dealing himself. Crownover also went the seven innings collecting six strikeouts and allowed only one walk.

“He pitched a great game,” Huskies coach Ray Hoppel said. “He deserved a better fate today.”

The Trojans scored a run during the top half of the first inning with Julian Weirich leading the inning off with a single before a double from Jamon Ranck put runners on second and third with no outs. However, the Huskies did manage to get Dylan Shawver swinging to get the first out. However Levi Hunsinger smacked a single to left which brought home Weirich to put Mount Union up 1-0.

Luckily for Crownover and Mifflin County, shortstop Madden Weaver put a stop to a potential big inning with an unassisted double play.

Mount Union scored its final run of the night during the top of the third inning. Ranck led off with a double before a Shawver single to left brought him home.

But Mifflin County wasn’t going away quietly as despite the struggles at the plate. The Huskies put on a late rally in the bottom of the seventh as they had runners on the corners with two outs. But Yocum managed to get a groundball to short to put an end the rally.

In fact, Mount Union was making plays defensively all game long. The Trojans had three of the seven innings where they went one, two, three. The highlight of the defense came from left fielder Weirich who made an incredible diving catch to take away a hit from Mifflin County.

“Our defense played great,” Hicks said. “Infield was making plays on groundballs, incredible play in the outfield.”

The Trojans were led at the plate by Ranck who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and a run scored, Hunsinger went 2-for-3 with an RBI while Weirich and Shawver each had a hit as well.

“Offensively, I thought we ruined a few opportunities to get some insurance runs. But our defense covered us. Great win!”

For the Huskies, Evan Strohecker led the way at the plate going 2-for-3 and Grady Hoppel along with Weaver and Elliot Yetter all added a hit in the game.

Mount Union moves up to (13-4) and will look to keep the winning ways going as the Trojans will hit the road on Monday against Somerset.

Meanwhile, Mifflin County drops to (7-5) will look to rebound today as the Huskies will travel to do battle with State College. Game time starts at 10 a.m.

Best of luck to both teams!

Until Next Time!