Sages take Victory on Senior Night against Clinton, 7-2

The Monticello Sages used a fast start and timely hitting to pull away from the Clinton Maroons for a 7-2 victory in a nonconference matchup, collecting 12 hits while receiving a strong pitching performance from Forrest Rawdin on the mound.

Monticello wasted little time setting the tone offensively in the bottom of the first inning. Dawson Gaitros opened the frame with a single before Cole Basak delivered an RBI single to center field to score the game’s first run. After walks to Koyie Williams and Forrest Rawdin loaded traffic on the bases, Heyden Romano lined a single into left field to bring home another run and extend the Sages’ lead to 2-0. Jake Robinson later added an RBI fielder’s choice to cap a three-run opening inning for Monticello.

The Sages kept the pressure on in the second inning with another offensive surge. Dawson Gaitros and Zeke Young each collected singles before Grant Kiger drove a hard ground ball into center field that plated two runs and pushed the advantage to 5-0. Monticello continued adding to the lead in the third inning when Zeke Young ripped a triple to center field, scoring Brady Ball, before Gaitros followed with another RBI single to make it 7-1.

Clinton showed resilience and found a breakthrough in the top of the third inning. Cole Fentress reached after being hit by a pitch and later scored when Xander Reynolds put the ball in play and reached on an error. The Maroons added another run in the fourth inning as Jaxon Reynolds came around to score on a line-drive single from Mitchell Cornwell, trimming the deficit to 7-2.

Despite Clinton’s efforts, Rawdin remained in control on the mound for Monticello. The right-hander worked six innings, allowing just five hits and two unearned runs while striking out seven. He consistently worked out of trouble and held the Maroons scoreless over the final three innings. Jake Robinson closed the game in relief.

Monticello’s offense was led by Dawson Gaitros, who finished 3-for-3 with three runs scored and an RBI. Zeke Young also had a big night at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a triple, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Cole Basak added two hits and an RBI, while Romano and Grant Kiger each drove in a pair of runs.

For Clinton, Stone Stith collected two hits, including a double, while Mitchell Cornwell added two hits and an RBI. Jaxon Reynolds also scored a run for the Maroons.

The Sages combined aggressive baserunning, consistent contact hitting, and solid pitching to secure the win, while Clinton continued to battle throughout the contest despite falling behind early.