AAA is Heating up at Optimist Park
By: Shelia Mader
Optimist Park was bursting at the seams last week with games, games, and more games. No fields could have been more exciting than the AAA field with three games being played.
Rockhounds 3, Blue Wahoos 1 (April 23)
The Rockhounds pulled out a 3-1 win behind a strong all-around performance led by Wyatt Pickels. Pickels paced the offense, going 2-for-2 with a double, three total bases, and an RBI. Eli Sims added a hit and contributed on the bases with a stolen base, while Jace Pridgen and Teamon Leavins each crossed the plate to account for the team’s three runs. The Rockhounds showed aggressiveness on the bases with multiple steals and also turned in solid situational play despite striking out nine times as a team. On the mound, Pickels was dominant, tossing all four innings and allowing just three hits and one run while striking out 10 and walking two.
For the Blue Wahoos, Vincent McMiller and John Henry Tillman each collected hits, with Tillman also scoring a run. The Wahoos managed three hits overall but struggled to string together offense against Pickels. Tillman started on the mound and struck out seven over three innings but allowed three runs, while Beau Jerkins worked a scoreless inning in relief. The Rockhounds defense held steady, and despite one error, they limited scoring chances to secure the win.
Scrappers 5, Blue Wahoos 4 (April 21)
In a back-and-forth game, the Scrappers edged the Blue Wahoos 5-4 thanks to a big first inning and timely baserunning. The Scrappers scored all five of their runs early and then held off a late push. Bryson Gray, Landan Laramore, Hudson Lyons, Jace Garney, and Declan Simmons each scored a run, showing a balanced offensive effort despite not recording a hit in the game. The team capitalized on walks and aggressive baserunning, finishing with six walks and multiple stolen bases. On the mound, Hudson Lyons worked 2.2 innings, allowing four runs while striking out seven, and Brooks Barber closed things out with a short relief appearance.
For the Blue Wahoos, Dicen Dabbs led the way offensively, going 2-for-2 with two runs scored, while John Henry Tillman added a hit and also scored twice. The Wahoos collected three hits and showed patience with six walks but left too many opportunities on the table. Dabbs also pitched, striking out two but allowing five runs in less than an inning, while Jerkins provided solid relief with three strikeouts over 1.1 innings. The Scrappers’ early advantage proved just enough to hold on for the win.
Rockhounds 7, Muckdogs 4 (April 21)
The Rockhounds used a big second inning and steady offense throughout to secure a 7-4 win over the Muckdogs at Optimist Park. Jace Pridgen led the way at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored, accounting for a major portion of the offense. Ethan Grogan added a key extra-base hit with a double and drove in two runs, while also collecting a hit. Jackson Davis chipped in with a hit and scored a run, and the Rockhounds capitalized on patience at the plate, drawing seven walks and consistently putting pressure on the defense. The team was aggressive on the bases as well, piling up multiple stolen bases across the lineup.
On the mound, Charley Shuler worked all three innings for the Rockhounds, allowing just two hits and four runs while striking out seven. Despite issuing nine walks, he limited damage enough to keep the Muckdogs from closing the gap.
For the Muckdogs, Gabriel Taylor provided the biggest offensive spark, going 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs while also scoring a run. Amaris Curry crossed the plate twice and reached base multiple times, and the team showed strong speed on the bases with several stolen bases, including multiple steals from Curry and Clayton Buxton. The Muckdogs drew nine walks as a team but managed just two hits overall, making it difficult to sustain rallies.
Brantley Warren started on the mound for the Muckdogs and struck out two but allowed four runs in 1.2 innings while issuing five walks. Amaris Curry followed in relief and pitched effectively at times, allowing one run over 1.1 innings with two strikeouts. Despite the effort, the early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Rockhounds held on for the win.
