“We are trying to build momentum,” said Williamsport Crosscutter manager Kenny Thomas. “All we can do is take care of ourselves, try moving up the ladder, and be consistent.”

Similar to Friday, Mexico would get off the mark in the top of the first for an early advantage. The opening salvo would come courtesy of leadoff batter Leonardo Delgado, who took the second pitch of the game 410 feet to left field for the first home run Bowman Field had seen this season.

But also like Friday, Williamsport had an early response getting runners at the corners on a Kyloe Schupmann walk and a single from Montoursville graduate Maddix Dalena. The Cutters would end up sacrificing two boots for a run, with Loyalsock graduate Nick Barone grounding into a double play that allowed Schupmann to come across and tie the game.

Keeping with the theme, Mexico retook the lead half an inning later. After putting early pressure from a leadoff Abraham Favela single, Gerardo Cardona found the gap on an RBI double that careened off the right-center field wall. Mexico looked to double their advantage two batters later when Hector Luque shot a single to left field. Attempting to come home from second, Cardona would be tagged out after a brilliant throw from right fielder Barrone found the heart of the plate to catcher Steele Burd.

Isaac Briones of Mexico pitches in the first inning to Los Cadejoes at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Team Mexico small ball, however, would double the advantage in the fourth inning with Juan Tinoco. Advancing on a leadoff single, the designated hitter would swipe two bags before coming home on a David Mosqueda sacrifice fly.

A walk and bermuda triangle double later, and Williamsport starter Luke Meyers would receive an early pull. The right hander would finish with three and two thirds of an inning pitched, conceding three runs on six hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

Team Mexico starter Isaac Briones would have a cleaner evening, going three innings while conceding one run on one hit with two walks and two strikeouts.

A Moontoursville-to-Loyalsock connection would spark a rally for Williamsport in the fourth inning, with a Dalena walk and Barone single putting the first batters aboard. Cleanup batter Ben Tryon would not disappoint, lacing a double down the right field line to score the Montoursville graduate and make it a one run game.

The Loyalsock graduate would tie the game in the next at-bat, with an Addison Smith groundout scoring Barone to level the field once more.

Kenny Thomas of the Cadejos argues a call during the first inning against Mexico at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

But Williamsport would continue applying pressure, loading the bases on back to back walks to Owen Prince and KJ White with still one away. Amari Allen would do just enough, reaching on a fielder’s choice grounder that brought in Tryon to give the Cutters their first lead of the night at 4-3.

A bottom of the order rally would increase Williamsport’s advantage in the sixth inning. With two away following a pickoff, back to back batters would reach on a KJ White bunt single and Kelly Robertson walk. Both runners would advance to scoring position on stolen bases for nine hole hitter Steele Burd, who drove in his first two runs of the season on a single to left field.

The Crosscutters would complete its offensive performance with the bottom of the order in the eighth, securing an insurance run when Owen Prine scored on a wild pitch from Mexico reliever Hendick Briones.

“The longer you’ve been doing this, the more you realize the lineup’s gotta flow,” Thomas discussed. “Sometimes people might question that, but it’s gotta flow. The bottom of the lineup did a great job tonight.”

The latter half of the game was capped off by another stellar display from Williamsport’s bullpen. From the fourth inning on, it would be the trio of Coltin Kennedy, Brendon Sweeney, and Myles Meyer conceding just one run on route to a third straight victory.

KJ White of the Cadejos makes a catch on a ball hit to shallow center field by David Mosqueda of Mexico during the second inning at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“I’d like us to come out of that bullpen and be able to throw a few more strikes,” admitted Thomas.”But we are getting out there and competing out of the bullpen, and that’s what it takes if you are going to win.

The win moves the Cutters to 5-5 on the season, placing as high as second in the MLB Draft League depending on results elsewhere. Williamsport will look for their first sweep of the year Sunday, with the Cutters hosting Mexico in game three. First pitch at Bowman field is slated for 4:05 p.m.

Catcher Steele Burd of the Cadejos tags out Gerardo Cardona of Mexico at home plate in the second inning at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Cadejos and Mexico coaches exchange handshakes at home plate before the start of the game Saturday night at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Leonardo Delgado of Mexico rounds the bases on a first inning home run against Los Cadejos at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Ben Tryon of the Cadejos dobules in the 4th inning against Mexico at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Maddix Dalena of the Cadejos scores in the 4th inning against Mexico in the 4th inning at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

KJ White of the Cadejos bunts his way on to base during the 6th inning against Mexico at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette