Walleye 18U Splits Thrilling Doubleheader with Post 144 Knights
MCF Staff Reports
Walleye 18U and the 2026 Post 144 Knights put on a show last Monday, splitting a pair of games that featured a dramatic comeback attempt, strong pitching performances, and plenty of late-inning excitement.
Walleye 18U appeared to be in complete control before surviving a seventh-inning scare to claim an 11-10 victory over the 2026 Post 144 Knights.
The offense got rolling early for Walleye, who capitalized on a pair of Knights errors in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead. They added two more runs in the second when Rylen Petersen and Carter Branstrom delivered RBI singles.
A run-scoring single from Kieron Tolbert pushed the advantage to 5-0 in the third, and Walleye continued to build its lead, eventually stretching the margin to seven runs in the fifth inning.
The Knights refused to go away quietly. Trailing entering the seventh, Post 144 erupted for six runs on three hits. Jake M and Rawley K each drew bases-loaded walks, while Kirby D, Eli B, and Lane H delivered run-scoring singles to turn a comfortable Walleye lead into a nail-biter.
Despite the late charge, Walleye was able to secure the final outs and escape with the one-run victory.
Walleye’s offense collected nine hits on the day, led by Tolbert and Petersen, who each finished with two hits. Branstrom, Tolbert, and Petersen drove in two runs apiece.
Tolbert was especially disruptive on the basepaths, swiping five bases as Walleye piled up nine stolen bases in the game. Brandon Spacher contributed two walks as part of an eight-walk team effort.
Branstrom earned the win after working five innings, allowing three hits and three runs - all unearned - while striking out five and walking five. Bradley Clark recorded the save, and Braylen Tolbert provided relief support.
For the Knights, Kirby D finished with two hits and two RBIs, while he and Lane H each drove in a pair of runs. Post 144 showed patience at the plate with 11 walks, led by Josh D, Jake M, Peyton E, and Rawley K, who each drew two.
Walleye also flashed some leather, turning a double play in the win.
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