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Lackawanna Trail Edges Elk Lake in Close Baseball Contest

Lackawanna Trail Edges Elk Lake in Close Baseball Contest

By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | May 4, 2026 | Photo courtesy SportzWire

Lackawanna Trail Lions edged the Elk Lake Warriors in a nail-biting 9-8 contest on Monday, with a wild pitch in the seventh inning ultimately securing the victory. Despite the Elk Lake Warriors collecting six hits to the Lackawanna Trail Lions' five, it was a back-and-forth affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Elk Lake Warriors initially seized control in the bottom of the second inning. Connor Stephens singled to bring in the first run, followed by Nathaniel Thurman grounding out, allowing two more runs to score and putting Elk Lake up 3-0. However, the Lackawanna Trail Lions swiftly responded in the top of the third, tying the game thanks to a crucial triple by Isaac Ryon and an error committed by Elk Lake.

Elk Lake wasn't deterred, reclaiming the lead in the bottom of the third when Cohen Orlandini singled, pushing the score to 4-3. The momentum shifted again in the fourth inning. The Lackawanna Trail Lions capitalized on another Elk Lake error, and Isaac Ryon delivered a single down the left field line, each play scoring a run to put Lackawanna Trail ahead 5-4.

The Elk Lake Warriors then mounted a significant rally in the bottom of the fourth. Alden Felker drew a walk to score a run, followed by two more runs crossing the plate due to an error, and Lucas Benscoter drew another walk, bringing in a final run for the inning. This flurry put Elk Lake back in front, 8-5.

The game remained tight until the top of the seventh. The Lackawanna Trail Lions put together a decisive push, narrowing the gap when Sean Dywer drew a walk, scoring one run. An error allowed two more runs to score, setting the stage for the final, game-winning run that came across on a wild pitch, giving Lackawanna Trail the 9-8 lead that would hold.

On the mound for the Elk Lake Warriors, Brayden Miller delivered a strong outing, allowing four hits and five runs, only two of which were earned, over six innings. Miller impressive by striking out 10 batters and walking three. Nathaniel Thurman and Stephen Newhart provided relief work. For the Lackawanna Trail Lions, Michael Palmer started, giving up five hits and eight runs, four earned, over three and two-thirds innings, striking out four and walking six. William Evans came in relief and was pivotal, allowing only one hit and no runs over three and one-third innings while striking out four to earn the win.

Offensively for the Elk Lake Warriors, Nathaniel Thurman, Cohen Orlandini, Alden Felker, Connor Stephens, and Lucas Benscoter each drove in a run. Stephen Newhart showed patience at the plate, drawing three walks. The team as a whole displayed strong plate discipline, accumulating seven walks. Elk Lake was also aggressive on the basepaths, stealing six bases, with Cohen Orlandini, Matt Parr, and Connor Stephens each swiping two.

The Lackawanna Trail Lions' offense was sparked by Isaac Ryon and Michael Palmer, who each collected two hits. Ryon led the team with three runs batted in, going 2-for-5 on the day.

Player of the Game

Isaac Ryon of the Lackawanna Trail Lions earns Player of the Game honors for his clutch hitting and significant offensive impact. Ryon's third-inning triple helped tie the game and keep his team within striking distance, and his overall performance of two hits and a team-leading three runs batted in were instrumental in the Lions' narrow victory.

Lackawanna Trail Lions

Isaac Ryon: 2 hits, 3 RBIs, 1 run

Michael Palmer: 2 hits, 2 RBIs, 1 run

William Evans: 3.1 innings pitched, 4 strikeouts, 0 earned runs

Sean Dywer: 1 RBI, 1 walk, 1 run

Tyler Jervis: 2 walks

Elk Lake Warriors

Brayden Miller: 10 strikeouts

Stephen Newhart: 3 walks

Cohen Orlandini: 2 stolen bases, 1 hit, 1 run, 1 RBI

Matt Parr: 2 stolen bases, 1 hit, 2 runs

Connor Stephens: 2 stolen bases, 1 hit, 1 run, 1 RBI