Ice Haulers Hold the Mariners!!

The Ice Haulers came into tonight’s game, winning eight out of the last ten games they have played. Jason Young (Sophomore, University of Toledo) took the mound tonight against the Grand Lake Mariners, hoping to obtain his first win of the season.
 
The Ice Haulers drew first blood, as the third baseman, Mark Connelly (Sophomore, Lansing Community College) hit a two-run blast to right field, in the bottom of the second inning.
 
As the Ice Haulers lead 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Ice Hauler centerfielder, Nick Mueller (Freshman, Texas A&M - Corpus Christi) also hit a homer to right field. This extended the lead to 3-0 for the Ice Haulers.
 
After five innings of work, Jason Young would end his solid performance. He allowed just one hit, with no runs allowed, striking out eight Grand Lake Mariner batters.
 
During the bottom of the sixth, the Ice haulers would have a rally. First, the Ice Haulers would gain a couple of insurance runs, from a Mariner wild-pitch and a bases loaded walk. This would allow the Ice Haulers to extend their lead up to 5-0. Then, the short-stop, Jordan Andrade (Freshman, University of Nevada Las Vegas) hit a two RBI single, which gave the Ice haulers a 7-0 lead. “It felt great getting a big hit on my birthday. It opened the game up, and it always helps getting the team some insurance runs,” Andrade said.
 
Going into the ninth inning, the Mariners would not go down without a fight. The Mariners would score their first four runs off Nick Saranczak (Senior, West Virginia State University), as he would not be able to close the game. This would allow the Ice Hauler closer, Grayson Thurman (Sophomore, University of South Carolina Upstate) to come out for his first save opportunity. With only one out for Thurman to obtain, he would strike out the last batter. Thurman’s save would be the first for the Ice Haulers this season, and in history for the organization. “It felt good to be a part of history, and it is a huge milestone for me. It will definitely be a moment to remember,” Thurman said.
 
As the Mariners would rally in the ninth inning, their rally came up short. The Ice Haulers would hold on to win 7-4. The Ice Haulers have now won nine out of their last ten games. Jason Young would get the winning decision, making it his first win of the season. “It was nice to get that first win. Feels good to be a big part of this victory tonight. More importantly, I cannot thank the batters enough, helping me get the decision. I am glad we are continuing to stay hot,” Young said.
 
The Ice Haulers will get a well-deserved rest, as they will be back in action on Tuesday. The team will be back to take on the Michigan Monarchs for a double-header. Game time will be at 3:00pm at Sports Force Parks, located in Sandusky, Ohio.