Melon Mashers Rally Past Red Oaks in 12-10 Slugfest

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Mid-State Melon Mashers continued their strong summer campaign on Wednesday night, outlasting the Raleigh Red Oaks in a thrilling 12-10 victory at Broughton Magnet High School.

In a game that featured 24 combined hits and several momentum swings, the Mashers collected 14 hits and used a balanced offensive attack to secure the road win.

Leading the charge was Maddox Perez, who turned in a standout performance at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a solo home run and three total hits. Perez launched a solo shot to left field in the sixth inning and added singles in both the fourth and seventh innings.

The Melon Mashers opened the scoring in the third inning when Zack Scruggs crossed the plate on a sacrifice play, giving the visitors an early 1-0 advantage.

After Raleigh surged ahead with a five-run fifth inning, highlighted by a grand slam from Harris Craven, the Mashers answered immediately. Perez’s sixth-inning homer cut into the deficit before the offense erupted again in the seventh.

The decisive rally came when Andrew Thomas and Sebastian Rodriguez worked key walks, Perez delivered an RBI single, and Jordan Turner reached on a fielder’s choice that plated another run. The sequence helped the Mashers reclaim the lead and put pressure back on the Red Oaks.

Raleigh mounted one final challenge in the eighth inning when Adrian Gonzalez connected on a three-run homer, but the Mashers bullpen held on to preserve the victory.

On the mound, Trevor Kirkman earned the start for Mid-State Melon Mashers, pitching 4.2 innings while striking out four. Carter Catlett IV and Taybron Simpson provided valuable relief work to help secure the win.

The offensive production was spread throughout the lineup. Perez and Myles Odom each recorded three hits, while Scruggs added a pair of hits. The Mashers also showed patience at the plate, drawing seven walks. David Mertz and Rodriguez each collected two free passes, and Odom added pressure on the bases with two stolen bases.

Defensively, the Mashers turned a double play and continued to make key plays behind their pitching staff.

The victory improves the momentum for the Melon Mashers as they continue their road trip.

Game Notes

• Final Score: Melon Mashers 12, Raleigh Red Oaks 10
• Hits: Melon Mashers 14, Raleigh 9
• Top Performer: Maddox Perez (3-for-5, HR, 3 hits)
• Multi-Hit Games: Perez (3), Myles Odom (3), Zack Scruggs (2)
• Stolen Bases: Myles Odom (2)
• Starting Pitcher: Trevor Kirkman
• Relief Pitchers: Carter Catlett IV, Taybron Simpson

The Melon Mashers return to action Thursday as they travel to face the Charlotte Green Sox, looking to carry their offensive momentum into another key matchup. ⚾🍉 Touch Em All!