“The pitching was outstanding tonight,” said Williamsport Crosscutter manager Kenny Thomas. “I thought (starting pitcher Ryker Walton) did a great job, he controlled the game for five innings and only gave up the one home run, that’s all.”

After a slow start yesterday, Williamsport bats would get busy in the bottom of the first with back to back singles from Chris Stanfield and Nicholas Romano. The former would provide the opening run of the game after stealing third base, with a Nick Barone groundout sending the leadoff man around for a 1-0 advantage.

A two-out rally would further extend Williamsport’s lead an inning later. After the first two batters of the frame went out, a pair of free bases from Carson Bayne and Trevor Conley would send things back to the top of the order. After a single led him scoring the first run of the game, outfielder Chris Stanfield would play provider this time around on a sharp single up the middle to score Bayne and make it 2-0 after two.

Aberdeen starter Jaden Wywoda would work a clean third inning before being relieved. On his debut for the visitors, the right hander would give up two runs in three innings with four hits, two walks, and two strikeouts.

Brody Roe of the Crosscutters throws to the IronBirds during the 6th inning at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

After registering no hits through his first five at-bats of the second half, Aberdeen five-hole hitter would break his slow start in emphatic fashion. Leading off the fifth inning, the right hander would blast a hanging fastball 408-feet to left field that cleared the ballpark and put the visitors on the board.

Williamsport starter Ryker Walton would make the home run his only dent on his debut, going five innings with one run, three hits, and no walks while striking out five.

Meanwhile, the Crosscutters would strike back in the bottom of the frame, starting with back to back singles from Nick Barone and James McCoy. A batter and a double steal later, and Barone would make it 3-1 after scoring off of an Owen Prince groundout.

With Williamsport reliever Brody Roe strangling Aberdeen hitting over the next two innings, the Cutters would shut the door in the bottom of the eighth. After an Owen Prince walk and Carson Bayne hit by pitch put two on, a double steal would move both in scoring position. Trevor Conley would come to the plate and continue his fast start, grounding out to short to bring in Prince to extend the lead.

Back to back walks to the top of the order would set Brodey Acres up with the bases juiced and two outs with new pitcher Justin Ritz at the hill. Ultimately, it would be Acres that came in with a dagger on a two run single to right field for a 6-1 scoreline.

Owen Prince of the Crosscutters pulls in a fly ball by Jevin Relaford (1) of the IronBirds for the final out of the 6th inning at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“He’s a good little player. He’s a tough little player,” discussed Thomas. “He comes to play everyday, and that’s what he does and that’s what we preach.”

That scoreline would become final, with Williamsport reliever Luc Lavigueur providing two more shutout innings for the Williamsport win.

“The two guys came in and did a great job,” echoed Thomas when referring to the bullpen. “Those last four innings, that’s what you got to do.”

The victory moves the Cutters to 1-1 in the second half season and 21-8 overall this summer. Williamsport will start their second series of the second half Friday, with the Cutters hosting the first-half runner up Trenton Thunder for the first time this season. First pitch at Bowman Field is set for 6:35 p.m.

James McCoy of the Crosscutters is safe at second base on the steal during the 5th inning against the IronBirds at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

James McCoy of the Crosscutters points back to the dug out after singling in the 5th inning against the IronBirds at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Chris Stanfield of the Crosscutters is safe at first base in the first inning as Nathan Early of the IronBirds tries to make the play at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Chris Stanfield of the Crosscutters pulls in a fly ball for the final out of the first inning against the IronBirds at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Starting pitcher Ryker Walton of the Crosscutters throws in the first inning to the IronBirds at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette