Valley West Answers Late, Walks Off Wilkes-Barre in Seventh-Inning Battle
By: SportzWire | SportzWire | May 1, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus
KINGSTON — Games like this tend to reveal something about a team.
Wyoming Valley West saw an early lead disappear, watched Wilkes-Barre surge in front, and still found enough poise late to deliver the final punch in a 6-5 walk-off victory Friday night at Spartans Stadium.
The Spartans came out sharp in the opening inning and immediately put pressure on the Wolfpack. D’Vonte Rivers supplied the early spark with a home run to right, while Max Mylet added an RBI single during a three-run first inning that gave Valley West quick control.
Wilkes-Barre gradually settled in and chipped away before swinging momentum in the fifth. The Wolfpack capitalized on opportunities, stringing together productive at-bats and taking advantage of a Valley West error to plate four runs and move in front, 5-4.
At that point, the Spartans had a decision to make… press or stay steady. They chose the latter.
Valley West remained patient and gave itself one final chance in the seventh. Damien Eastman opened the rally with a clutch double to left field that tied the game. Moments later, Mylet stepped back into the spotlight and lined the game-winning hit down the left field line, scoring the deciding run and sending the home side into celebration.
Mylet delivered one of the night’s top performances, finishing 3-for-4 with two RBIs while impacting the game on the bases as well. Eastman added two hits and the game-tying extra-base knock, while Evan Harchar also collected multiple hits as the Spartans totaled nine on the night.
Valley West’s aggressive approach also showed on the bases, where the Spartans stole four bags and consistently forced action.
On the mound, Jesse Klem provided the finishing touch with 2.1 scoreless innings in relief to earn the win. His calm presence late helped stabilize the game and gave Valley West the chance to rally.
Wilkes-Barre was led by Alex Hufford, who went 3-for-3 at the plate. Dalton Flowers, Derrick Nah, Tyler Daugherty, and Teague Stahovic each drove in runs for the Wolfpack in the loss.
In the end, Valley West proved resilient.
Early energy, mid-game adversity, and a composed late response, the Spartans checked every box Friday night.
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