Missed opportunities would plague Williamsport on the night, with nine runners left on base – including two instances with the bases loaded and an out or less – plaguing it and keeping it from winning in regulation.

“We didn’t hit very well with men on base, and that was a real problem,” admitted Williamsport Crosscutter manager Kenny Thomas. “I know it’s the first game and I don’t know who needs to hit in what spot, but it’s sad to waste a good pitching performance that we had.”

In sudden death, Aberdeen would bat with Patrick McCullough as the designated runner at first and Preston Drebes pitching for the Cutters against the 9-1-2 due up order.

After a few pick off attempts, McCullough would swipe second easily to move the winning run to second, with the runner going to third on a bloop double from Ryan Pruitt. After an intentional walk loaded the bases to draw a forceout, Brayden Simpson would draw a full count walk that won the game for Aberdeen.

Brodey Acres of the Crosscutters points to the Cutters dugout after a single against the IronBirds during the 4th inning at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“Things fell apart there,” admitted Thomas. “Of course, they loop the (double) down the line. The ball goes foul, it’s a whole new game, the whole (sudden death) is different.”

The new half would not compromise starting pitching for both teams, with Aberdeen starter Ethan Phillips and Williamsport ace David Case combining for a game shutout over the course of the first four innings. In that span, both teams would muster three combined hits with a pair of Williamsport singles by Jake Zitella and Brodey Acres parlayed by an Aberdeen double from Jevin Relaford. In all three instances, the runner would prove unable to score to preserve a pitcher’s duel.

Aberdeen’s Ethan Phillips would take his leave after four innings, shutting out Williamspoort while conceding two hits and tossing four strikeouts.

Williamsport would capitalize on the quick pitching change. Just four pitches into reliever Jonah Johnson’s outing, Williamsport five hole hitter James McCoy would blast the Cutters ahead on a 332 foot drive that narrowly cleared the left field wall. McCoy’s first home run of the year put Williamsport up first.

The bottom of the order would double the Cutters lead later in the inning. With two out and a runner on third from a Sam DeCarlo extra base hit, nine hole hitter Trevor Conley would score Williamsport’s second run on a sharp grounder to right field.

Preston Drebes of the Crosscutters throws in the sudden deal inning against the IronBirds at Bowman Field. The IronBirds won 3-3. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

But the Ironbirds would find a response in the sixth inning, starting with a leadoff Patrick McCullough single. The eight hole batter would reach second on a wild pitch, eventually scoring on back to back Aberdeen groundouts for a 2-1 scoreline.

Williamsport starter David Case would work through the sixth before being relieved. It would be a debut to remember for the left handed pitcher, conceding one run and two hits in six innings with no walks and seven strikeouts.

“I thought he really commenced the strike zone,” Thomas discussed. “He controlled the game, what more could you ask for?”

The Ironbirds would build off of their offense in the second inning, putting two on the bases with one out from a Nathan Earley single and an Isaiah Parido walk. A batter later, designated hitter Brylan West would prove his worth, launching a double down the left field line that cleared the bases and gave Aberdeen their first lead.

But Williamsport would provide pressure in the bottom of the frame, loading the bases with the bottom of the order on singles from Jake Zitella and Trevor Conley with a Sam DeCarlo walk to juice them up. Ultimately reliever Ryder Edwards would save his best stuff for the top of the order, striking out Brodey Acres and flying out Ehi Okoojie to strand the runners.

James McCoy of the Crosscutters rounds the bases on a solo home run against the IronBirds at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Williamsport would continue their intent in the eighth, loading the bases once more on a Chris Stanfield walk, Nick Barone double, and a James McCoy walk.

But again, the Cutters would strand the runners after back to back strikeouts and a Sam DeCarlo flyout kept the visitors ahead.

The Crosscutters’ last gasp in the ninth would also show promise, with a leadoff Trevor Conley double putting the tying run in scoring position. Brodey Acres would come to the plate next, sacrificing an out for advancement with a sacrifice bunt that moved Conley 90 feet away.

Going into his debut 0-4, Ehi Okojie would make amends with a loud flyout to center field that scored Conley and tied the game to sudden death, one in which the visitors would pick up the win.

The loss drops Williamsport to 0-1 on the second half campaign and 20-8 for their overall record. The Cutters will look to redeem themselves on Thursday, hosting the Ironbirds in game two of their two game slate.

Trevor Conley of the Crosscutters scores in the 9th inning against the IronBirds at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

James McCoy of the Crosscutters celebrates after a solo home run against the IronBirds during the 5th inning at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Brodey Acres of the Crosscutters is safe at second base on the steal as Patrick McCullough of the IronBirds tries to make the tag during the 4th inning at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Brodey Acres of the Crosscutters stands on first base after a single against the IronBirds during the 4th inning at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Trevor Conley of the Crosscutters runs to first on an RBI single in the 5th against the IronBirds at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Starting pitcher David Chase of the Crosscutters throws in the second inning against IronBirds at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

James McCoy of the Crosscutters rounds the bases on a solo home run against the IronBirds at Bowman Field. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette