.jpg "Mid Valley Bounces Back with Dominant Win Over Chester Valley in Senior League State Tournament")
Mid Valley Bounces Back with Dominant Win Over Chester Valley in Senior League State Tournament
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | July 8, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
DUBOIS, Pa. — After both teams entered Tuesday night’s game with their backs against the wall, it was Section 5 champion Mid Valley who responded in a big way — erupting for 11 unanswered runs to take down Section 8’s Chester Valley, 11-3, and keep their Senior League State Tournament hopes alive at Stern Family Field.
Mid Valley rebounded in a statement performance after a heartbreaking 5-4 extra-inning loss to host team DuBois (District 10) in their tournament opener. Chester Valley, meanwhile, was looking to recover from its opening-round loss to Section 3 champion South Williamsport, setting the stage for an elimination showdown between two determined squads.
Chester Valley struck first in the top of the fourth, taking a 3-0 lead on an RBI error and a two-run single by Jacob Plankinton. But Mid Valley roared right back in the bottom half of the inning. Aaron Merrifield sparked the comeback with a two-run double, Christian Ellis followed with an RBI single, and Ian Scanlon tacked on another to flip the momentum and give Mid Valley a 4-3 edge.
The floodgates opened in the fifth, when Mid Valley unloaded for five more runs on five hits. Zack Buza drove in two with a sharp single, Ellis worked a bases-loaded walk, Scanlon delivered again with another RBI single, and a wild pitch added the final run of the inning.
Mid Valley’s offense was relentless, piling up 13 hits on the night. Merrifield went 3-for-3, while Scanlon finished with two hits and a team-high three RBIs from the eight spot. Buza, Zuraski, and Ellis each added multi-hit efforts, and Conner Perna drew two of the team’s seven total walks.
On the mound, Jack Czaja started the game for Mid Valley, allowing just one earned run and two hits over 3.1 innings. Oliver Bross and the bullpen kept things in check, preserving the lead and shutting down any late comeback attempt.
Plankinton led Chester Valley offensively with a 2-for-3 day and two RBIs, and pitched four innings on the hill. Dylan Gustafson stood out defensively with seven fielding chances and helped turn a double play in the field.
Mid Valley now advances with new life in the state tournament and the momentum of a well-rounded, statement win. With their bats heating up and pitching dialed in, they’re proving to be a threat in every inning.
