On May 6th, in honor of International Cri-Du-Chat Awareness week and Wade Jones, The Sages wore striped socks in support of the Cri-Du-Chat community. Wade is the Son of Monticello Baseball Head Coach, Chris Jones. Wade was diagnosed with Cri-du-chat at 4 months old. Cri-Du-Chat syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by a partial deletion of the 5th chromosome and affects 1 in 50,000 children born. The socks being worn today by the Sages represent the one full chromosome alongside the partial deletion of the 5th chromosome.” Wade Jones threw out the ceremonial first pitch in Todays Montciello Sages Baseball Game – He was accompanied by his Dad (Chris) – mom (Megan) and sister (Avery).
After Wade threw the First Pitch of the Game, Pictures were taken, the National Anthem Played; Then Baseball was just about to start between the Pana Panthers and Monticello Sages.
A big middle-inning surge powered the Monticello Sages to an 8-3 win over the Pana Panthers, as timely hitting and a strong pitching performance proved to be the difference in a competitive matchup.
After a quiet opening inning from both sides, Monticello broke through in the bottom of the first. The Sages struck for four runs, highlighted by a clutch three-run inside the park home run from Grant Kiger to right field that immediately set the tone. The early momentum gave Monticello a 4-0 advantage and forced Pana to play from behind.
Monticello continued to apply pressure in the middle innings. In the third, the Sages added to their lead with a string of hits, including an RBI single from Jake Motsegood and a triple by Matthais Rudolph that helped push the lead to 7-1. The offensive production came from throughout the lineup, as Monticello totaled eight runs on eight hits.
Kiger led the charge, finishing with two hits and three RBIs, while Koyie Williams added a home run of his own later in the game. Motsegood and Rudolph each contributed key hits that extended innings and created scoring opportunities.
On the mound, Matthais Rudolph delivered a strong outing to earn the win. He went five innings, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out seven. Rudolph kept Pana’s hitters off balance and controlled the game through the early and middle innings.
Pana showed resilience and continued to battle at the plate. The Panthers were led by Brylan Miller, who collected two hits, and Lincoln Burris, who added a hit and drove in a run. Pana finished with four hits and managed to push across three runs, including a late effort to chip away at the deficit.
Despite the Panthers’ efforts, Monticello’s early offensive burst proved too much to overcome. The Sages’ defense and bullpen held steady down the stretch, preventing any serious comeback attempt.
With the win, Monticello showcased a balanced performance, combining power at the plate with effective pitching. The Sages will look to build on that momentum, while Pana aims to regroup ahead of its next contest.
Coach Jones Interview with Wade’s Ceremonial First Pitch
Matthais Rudolph Post Game Interview
Koyie Williams Post Game Interview
Grant Kiger Post Game Interview
Matthais Rudolph with an Solo RBI Triple
Grant Kiger Inside the Park Home Run
Koyie Williams Solo Home Run
Monticello Double Play: Dawson Gaitros -> Cole Basak -> Jake Motsegood
Monticello catching Pana in a Pickle
Monticello Double Play (The Sequel): Cole Basak -> Dawson Gaitros -> Jake Motsegood
Pana’s Cash Lynch with a Single RBI
Pana’s Harrison Cothern making the Routine Catch in Rightfield
Pana’s Cash Lynch making the Running Catch in Centerfield
Pana’s Dane Epley making the Pitch, Securing the Grounder, and Throw to Carder Burris for the Out
Pana’s Madyx Angel secures the grounder and Throw to Carder Burris for the Out
Pana’s Cash Lynch using his Head to find a Way on Base (He is okay, we promise)
This looks good to me!