Lakeland Walks It Off in Extras to Edge Mid Valley in 12U Tournament Thriller

By: Doug Noldy | Sportzwire | July 1, 2025 | Photo courtesy Lakeland Little League

BENTON, PA — Extra innings. Lead changes. Clutch moments. Tuesday night’s 12U District showdown between Lakeland and Mid Valley had it all—and then some.

Tied 5-5 in the bottom of the eighth inning at Christy Mathewson Field, Carter Stephens delivered the decisive blow, sending a sharp single down the left field line to score the game-winning run and lift Lakeland to a thrilling 6-5 walk-off victory over Mid Valley.

Lakeland got rolling early, plating two in the bottom of the first. A fielding error opened the scoring, followed by Peyton Naniewicz swiping home to make it 2-0.

Mid Valley, undeterred, struck back in the fourth. After a defensive miscue helped push a run across, Brendan Thatcher ripped a double to drive in Rylen Rivera and tie the game at 2-2. The squad grabbed a 3-2 lead in the seventh after a key ground ball and alert base running.

Lakeland tied it once again in the home half of the seventh, as Landon Short brought in the equalizer with a productive groundout, forcing extras.

In the top of the eighth, Kellan Hughes came through for Mid Valley with a go-ahead RBI single down the right field line, and a second run scored on a wild pitch, putting Mid Valley up 5-3.

But Lakeland had one last push.

Rocco Carito sparked the rally with a single to center. TJ Horan grounded into a fielder’s choice to plate one, then Stephens stepped up and ended it in dramatic fashion with a walk-off single—sending the Lakeland dugout into celebration.

On the mound, Stephens earned the win in relief, tossing 2.1 innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out three. Naniewicz started for Lakeland, striking out seven and allowing just two hits over 5.2 innings. Brendan Thatcher was solid in his own right for Mid Valley, going 4.2 innings, allowing two unearned runs and striking out six.

Carito led Lakeland’s offense with two hits and an RBI. Stephens, Horan, and William Carr also contributed RBIs in a total team effort.

For Mid Valley, Hughes finished a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with an RBI. Brennan Mitchell and Thatcher each added one RBI, while Rivera showed speed with two stolen bases. Mid Valley also flashed the leather, turning a crucial double play to stay in the game.

Both teams showcased top-tier talent, resilience, and class in a game that had the intensity of a championship. With the win, Lakeland stays alive in the double-elimination bracket, while Mid Valley looks to bounce back strong in their next contest.

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