Against the backdrop of a sunny, breezy Landers Diamond, a time-tested rivalry gained a new installation. Yesterday, the Tigers bested the Granby Rams in decisive fashion, by a score of 9-5.
The word on the street for the Tigers in 2025 has been longevity. For the second game in a row, the starting pitcher has gone six innings. In his first varsity outing, Matt Butler broke onto the scene with 10 strikeouts and only 2 earned runs. Once again, Griffin Soderbaum shut down the top of the seventh, earning his second consecutive save.
Logan Carpenter led the offensive charge with two hits and an RBI. Jackson Keller knocked in three runs as well. However, the biggest factor for South Hadley’s offense was their baserunning. Carpenter, as well as his brother Gavin, Jackson Keller, Noah Carillon, Caiden Drohan, and Ryan Netkovick all stole bags. Considering that the Tigers finished with only four hits, it’s clear that baserunning was vital in such a big win.
“Stealing bases really put us in a good spot to score runs,” Carpenter said. “I felt that it contributed a lot (to the win) and we hope to keep stealing bags and winning more games.”
Fielding was one of the Tigers’ only pitfalls on Friday. Four players committed errors, but the defense was effective overall. The defensive highlight of the game was when Logan Carpenter caught a line drive to retire the top of the first.
Friday’s game ball went to Matt Butler. He’s now the second Tigers starter to record double-digit strikeout totals in his first outing of 2025. Butler’s transition from JV to varsity has not been an easy one, but his effort and work ethic have been impeccable on his journey to his first varsity start.
The Tigers will take on the Ware Indians next Tuesday, April 8th, in the third game of their five-game homestand. First pitch is slated for 4pm.
