What looked like a comfortable win quickly turned into a nail-biter Tuesday night.
The Montague Wildcats built a commanding lead, watched it nearly disappear, and then made just enough plays in the final moments to escape with a 9-8 win over rival Oakridge in a West Michigan Conference Lakes Division showdown. The game was ultimately called due to darkness, but not before delivering one of the most dramatic finishes of the young season.
Game 1: Montague 7, Oakridge 1
Montague set the tone early in the opener behind a dominant performance from Eli Peterson. Peterson allowed just three hits while striking out eight over six innings to earn the win. Offensively, Cooper Bradley, Peterson, and Kurtzhal each collected two hits and scored a run.
Oakridge’s offense was limited to just three hits, with Trey Chye scoring the Eagles’ lone run.
Game 2: Montague 9, Oakridge 8 (called due to darkness)
Montague came out aggressive and in control early, capitalizing on timely hitting and defensive miscues to build a 9-2 lead heading into the fifth inning.
But Oakridge had one more push left. The Eagles erupted for six late runs, stringing together hits and taking advantage of key opportunities to pull within one run. Momentum had fully shifted, and suddenly the Wildcats were fighting to hold on.
With the tying run looming, Montague regrouped and recorded the final out before darkness ended the game, sealing a hard-fought win.
Cole Herremans picked up the win and led the offense with three hits and a run scored. He was joined by Kurzel Johnson and Chase Kurtzhal, who each had three hits, while Cooper Bradley added two runs.
For Oakridge, JoJo White sparked the comeback with two hits, an RBI, and two stolen bases. Max Johnson also had two hits, while Logan Houston and James Smith each scored twice. Despite solid pitching from Jacob Randall and Elijah Lenore, who combined to allow just three hits, walks and defensive miscues proved costly for the Eagles.
Other Games Around the Area
- Spring Lake 15, Holland 0 (Game 1) Maddux Kipling threw a two-hit shutout and struck out five as the Lakers cruised.
- Spring Lake 11, Holland 0 (Game 2) Oliver Smies dominated on the mound and ended the game with a three-run walk-off homer.
- Fruitport 21, Kelloggsville 0 (Game 1) Dexter Lillmars tossed a perfect game and added three hits and three RBI.
- Fruitport 18, Kelloggsville 0 (Game 2) Garrett Olson threw a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts in his varsity debut.
- Manistee 14, Whitehall 1 (Game 1) Adam Olson pitched a complete game as the Mariners pulled away late.
- Manistee 5, Whitehall 2 (Game 2) Braylen Zimmerman followed with another complete game to secure the sweep.
- Mason County Central 7, Hart 6 (Game 1) MCC won in extra innings on a go-ahead fielder’s choice.
- Mason County Central 3, Hart 2 (Game 2)Game was shortened by weather, but the Spartans completed the sweep.
- Reeths-Puffer 16, Muskegon 1 (Game 1) The Rockets used strong pitching and early offense to control the game.
- Reeths-Puffer 15, Muskegon 0 (Game 2) Another dominant performance capped the sweep.
- Mona Shores 6, Caledonia 2 (Game 1) Owen Tornga struck out nine and did not allow a hit.
- Mona Shores vs Caledonia (Game 2 – suspended 4-4) The second game was halted and will be completed Thursday.
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