Flying Pigs Surge Past Melon Mashers in Home Opener

CLIMAX, N.C. — The Mid-State Melon Mashers battled early but could not hold off a powerful Lexington Flying Pigs offense, falling 13-5 Monday night at Providence Grove High School in the team’s home opener.

The Mashers struck first in the opening inning when Maddox Perez drove in a run on a double-play ball, giving the home team an early 1-0 advantage. Lexington answered in the second inning to take a 2-1 lead, but the Mashers responded quickly. Jordan Stucki ripped an RBI double down the right-field line and Thompson Holloway added a sacrifice fly as the Mashers reclaimed a 3-2 lead after two innings.

The game turned in the top of the third when the Flying Pigs erupted for five runs to move in front 7-3. Lexington continued to apply pressure throughout the night, collecting 12 hits and drawing 13 walks on the way to the victory.

Despite the loss, the Mashers offense showed plenty of life, recording 10 hits and eight walks. Andrew Thomas, Sebastian Rodriguez, and Christian Gentrup each collected two hits. Stucki, Gentrup, and Holloway each drove in a run, while Gentrup added two stolen bases as the Mashers swiped five bags as a team.

On the mound, Connor Adams started for the Mashers, while Elijah Prince worked in relief. Lexington’s Trip Bollibon earned the win for the Flying Pigs.

For Lexington, L. Wideman paced the offense with a 3-for-4 performance, while Wideman, G. Perone, L. Sisto, and Davis Gore each drove in two runs. The Flying Pigs also played flawless defense, finishing the game without committing an error.

The Melon Mashers will look to bounce back as they continue their inaugural season schedule later this week.