Sharks Sink Schooners for 10th Straight
Martha's Vineyard clawed back from a three-run hole on the road in Connecticut, riding Ryan Thompson's four-RBI night to an 8–6 win and a tenth consecutive victory.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 13 | 0 |
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0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
Groton, Connecticut. The Martha's Vineyard Sharks ran their winning streak to ten Tuesday night, erasing a 5–2 deficit and out-scoring Mystic 6–1 over the final four innings to escape Groton with an 8–6 win that wasn't decided until the last pitch.
First baseman Ryan Thompson delivered the two biggest swings. Trailing 1–0 in the fifth, he ripped a two-run single to put the Sharks ahead; an inning later, after Mystic's four-run answer, he did it again on a two-run single that tied it 5–5. Thompson finished 2-for-4 with four RBI, each one clutch.
He had help up top. Shortstop Jackson Roper went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs, Griffin Crain scored twice, and Wesley Scott added two hits as the Sharks rapped out 13. Defense mattered too: Martha's Vineyard played clean while Mystic committed four errors, and the seventh-inning go-ahead run scored unearned when Scott came home on a Schooners throwing error. The Sharks never trailed again.
On the mound it was a dominant start, a shaky middle and a bullpen that wouldn't budge. Callen Powers set the tone with three one-hit innings and six strikeouts. Mystic's only real damage came in a four-run fifth sparked by Joel Collado's homer. From there the relievers clamped down: Alex Grant (1–0) earned the win over 1.2 frames, Landon O'Donnell fanned four in 1.1 hitless innings, and Michael Devenney kept the damage to one. Seven Sharks pitchers combined for 16 strikeouts.
Then came the ninth, and it nearly slipped away. Mystic loaded the bases and trimmed the lead to 8–6 on an Anthony Ruggiero hit-by-pitch, bringing the potential winning run to the plate. Closer Warner Gearhart took the ball with the game on the line and ended it the only way a night like this could end — a bases-loaded strikeout on the final pitch to slam the door and earn his first save of the year. The 8–6 final, before 203 fans in three hours and 32 minutes, sends Martha's Vineyard home with its streak intact at ten
About the Martha's Vineyard Sharks
The Martha's Vineyard Sharks are a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), providing top collegiate talent with a platform to develop and entertain fans across the region. The MV Sharks Baseball Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting baseball on Martha's Vineyard. We are currently seeking support to improve our baseball field at The Shark Tank, enhancing facilities for players, fans, and the community. The total estimated cost for these upgrades is $520,000, and as of today, we have secured commitments totaling $200,000. If interested, your donation will help bridge this gap, directly contributing to better playing conditions, safety features, and accessibility, ensuring the Martha's Vineyard Sharks continue to thrive as a beacon of youth development and local pride. Donate here today via our secure online form at mvsharks.com/donate (powered by MxMerchant for seamless, tax-receipted giving), or email/call Russ Curran at russ.curran@mvsharks.com / 508-813-0380. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and qualifies for tax benefits.