.jpg "Mid Valley Seniors Explode in the Fourth to Down Somerset, Stay Hot at the State Tournament")
Mid Valley Seniors Explode in the Fourth to Down Somerset, Stay Hot at the State Tournament
By: SportzWire | Sportzwire | July 10, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
DUBOIS, Pa. — The Mid Valley Senior League All-Stars are officially on a roll.
Backed by a seven-run fourth inning outburst, the Section 5 champs pulled away from Section 2’s Somerset on Thursday afternoon, cruising to a 9-1 victory at E.J. Mansell Stadium to continue their impressive run in the Senior League Baseball State Tournament.
After a scoreless opening frame, Paxton Grebb sparked the offense in the second with a two-out RBI single to put Mid Valley on the board. Somerset answered back in the third, tying the game 1-1 on a line drive RBI single by Garret Reese.
But Mid Valley’s bats erupted in the bottom of the fourth.
The team strung together seven hits in the inning — including a game-breaking three-run triple by Lucas Zuraski — to blow the game wide open and take an 8-1 lead. It was a statement inning that showcased the depth, power, and patience of a Mid Valley lineup that continues to produce in clutch moments.
Zuraski finished 2-for-3 with four RBIs, leading the offensive charge from the three-spot. Grebb, hitting in the eight-hole, had a perfect day at the plate — 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Zackary Buza, Ian Scanlon, and Aaron Merrifield each added multiple hits as part of Mid Valley’s 13-hit effort.
On the mound, Conner Perna got the start and delivered a strong outing, tossing 2.2 innings of two-hit ball while striking out three and allowing just one run. The bullpen held firm from there, ensuring Somerset never gained momentum after the big fourth inning.
Somerset entered the game 1-1 in the tournament, looking to build off a 7-5 win over South Williamsport after dropping their opener to Newville. But despite a scrappy effort and hits from Reese, Vance Halverson, Josh Wilmotte, and Brady Meyers, they couldn’t recover from Mid Valley’s offensive surge.
Wilmotte started on the bump for Somerset and was tagged for nine hits and eight runs (six earned) over 3.1 innings, walking two and striking out one.
With the win, Mid Valley continues to build momentum — now riding a three-game win streak after an extra-inning heartbreaker in their tournament opener. Their bats are hot, their defense is sharp, and their pitching staff is showing depth — all signs that the Section 5 champs are peaking at the perfect time.
Game 2 of a Thursday double header finds Mid Valley facing off against Newville.
