03/28/2024
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COOPERSTOWN, NY – A 9-run fifth-inning rally propelled Area Stars – Derrick to a 14-12 victory over the Bullard Knights from California in a battle of unbeaten teams in the American Youth Hall of Fame Tournament at Cooperstown Dreams Park.

Four Elizabethtown players – Ty Mathis, Elijah “Frog” Bullard, Ryan Johnson and Jackson Wright – are members of the Area Stars – Derrick team.

Bullard launched a solo home run in the first inning, but the Bullard Knights capitalized on some 2-out errors to score 8 runs in the second inning and go up 8-1.

Mathis slammed a run-scoring double and scored on Bullard’s fielder’s choice as the Area Stars trimmed the deficit to 8-4 in the fourth inning.

Ryan Johnson walloped a 2-run home run to ignite the 9-run fifth. Mathis knocked in 2 runs with a single, and Bullard crushed a 3-run homer in the inning as the Area Stars took a 13-8 lead.

Mathis pitched the first five innings to pick up the win for the Area Stars. Mathis struck out a batter for the first out in the fifth and a double play ended the inning and kept the lead at 13-8.

The Area Stars tacked on a run in the top of the sixth, and Bullard pitched the bottom of the sixth as the Area Stars held on for the 14-12 victory.

The Area Stars – Derrick pounded the Wolves from Illinois for 18 first inning runs Tuesday night. Mathis blasted a home run to start the inning. Bullard and Wright laced singles and Mathis drew a walk before Bullard clobbered a 3-run homer. Wright also walked in the inning.

Mathis, Wright and Bullard cracked singles as the lead grew to 22-1 by the fourth inning. The Area Stars won the game by a margin of 22-3 to finish bracket play with a perfect 6-0 record.

The Area Stars are the No. 7 seed in the single elimination tournament and will play at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday against an opponent to be determined.

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