PBA Rolls Past Hardcore Elite 8-1

PBA used a big early surge and dominant pitching to cruise past Hardcore Elite 8-1 on Saturday.

Hardcore Elite struck first in the opening frame, capitalizing on an error to take a 1-0 lead. PBA wasted no time answering back, as Miguel Mejia laced a single down the left-field line in the bottom of the inning to tie the game.

The second inning proved decisive. After an error opened the door, Brody Sobota smashed a triple to right, and Aiden Schuitema added an RBI groundout, giving PBA a 4-1 lead they never relinquished. The offense kept rolling in the third with three more runs, fueled by a bases-loaded walk to Solomon Wegmeyer and run-producing groundouts from Mejia and Xander Mullins.

On the mound, Josiah Cuellar set the tone, striking out six over four strong innings while allowing just two hits and no earned runs. London Bateman closed the game with three shutout innings of relief, striking out two and allowing only one hit to seal the win.

Mejia drove in two runs from the cleanup spot to pace the offense, while Wegmeyer went a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate. Cuellar also showcased his speed, swiping two bases.

For Hardcore Elite, leadoff hitter #17 collected two hits in four at-bats. Pitching duties were split among Jonah Oglan, #17, and reliever London Bateman, but PBA’s relentless attack proved too much.