Valley Sports Report
ELMIRA HEIGHTS — The Waverly Majors exploded for 11 runs in the second inning and then held on for an 11-8 win over Elmira Heights to capture its first-ever Elmira Heights Wood Bat Tournament championship here Sunday.
With starting pitcher Peyton Miller cruising to start the game, Waverly banged out 11 hits in the second inning to take control of the game.
Parker Hendershot led off the rally with a single. Jacob Goble then followed with a single and both scored on a two-run double by D.J. Meyers. After two outs, John Ward plated Meyers with an RBI single to make it 3-0.
The inning continued when Hunter Bodine reached on an error. Mason Salsman then delivered a run-scoring single, followed by a Miller single and a two-run single by Hendershot to make it 6-0. After Goble's second hit of the inning loaded the bases, Meyers drilled his second two-run double of the inning to make it 8-0.
Zach VanHouten, Mason Beard and Ward completed the scoring with run-scoring singles.
Heights, playing as the visiting team, finally got to Miller, who retired the first nine batters he faced, with four runs in the fourth inning to cut the deficit to 11-4.
Miller pitched into the sixth, giving up two more runs before being relieved by Hendershot, who allowed two runs, but got the final two outs to preserve the win.
Miller pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out five. Hendershot gave up two runs on one hit.
Waverly, which only had two hits aside from the 11 in the big second-inning rally, was led by Meyers at the plate with two doubles, two runs scored and four RBI, as well as Hendershot, who had two hits, two RBI and runs scored, Goble with two hits and two runs, Ward with two hits and an RBI and Beard with two hits.
Salsman, VanHouten and Miller added a hit and an RBI apiece for the winners.
The Waverly Majors are back in action Wednesday at the Owego Tournament.
