“They [Raymond] are a top-notch Class B team, so anytime you can hang with them and do that [is great] … A couple plays go our way, it’s a different ball game,” Milroy’s Braydin Kvistero said. “So yeah, it’s a great test to begin the season. We’re here still in May, so to know that’s kind of where we are at, [and] know that there’s still plays, if we make [them], we can get a W.”

The Yankees were the first to take a lead with the help of a David Schmidt two-run homer in the third inning after Milroy scored its first run the inning prior. But, Raymond tied the score with a quick three-run rally in the fourth in response.

The game ultimately came down to defense between both teams as offensive opportunities became limited in the competitive matchup. After the Rockets rallied to tie the score up 3-3 with a trio of runs in the top of the fourth, Raymond scored the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh as the result of a Yankee defensive error when fielding a ground ball.

Milroy was held off the rest of the way behind the Rockets’ field defense, despite being able to string together hits.

Photo by Samantha Davis: The Milroy Yankee baseball team congratulates David Schmidt (center) after hitting a homer run Friday night against Raymond at Yankee Field in Milroy.

The Yankees out-hit the Rockets 6-3, but committed four errors to Raymond’s two.

“They [Milroy] battled their butts off the whole night, I mean, can’t do much about that. Their [Raymond’s] lineup is pretty solid with a lot of veterans, a lot of college age, and experience,” Kvistero said. “Like I said, a couple plays defensively we’re kicking ourselves over, but can’t be disappointed at all.”

Nathan Deutz in particular made a handful of impressive defensive plays while on the mound for the Yankees, with a few hits getting aimed right at the pitcher.

Milroy was the first to get on the board with a run in the second inning after Aaron Mathiowetz scored on a Rockets’ fielding error following a hit from Jayden Remiger. Mathiowetz first got on base with a walk and moved to second and third after a Brock Schultz hit and Andy Schmidt sacrifice bunt.

Schmidt then stepped up in the Yankees’ next plate appearance in the third inning to build a Milroy 3-0 lead and hit his two-run homer far over the left field fence on the first pitch he saw. The hit scored Joey Liebl, who reached base with a single.

Photo by Samantha Davis: Milroy Yankee pitcher Joey Liebl throws a pitch Friday night against Raymond at Yankee Field in Milroy.

“That was such a big energy jolt right there, it was kind of one of those no-doubters that it feels really great,” Kvistero said. “Wish we could add a timely hit here or there down the stretch, but unfortunately we just couldn’t get one to push across to keep that lead there.”

Yet, the Rockets found a quick response with their three runs the following half-inning to even up the score.

Deutz didn’t allow any hits or runners to get on base in Raymond’s final at-bat in the top of the ninth to help put the Yankees at the plate looking for a run to tie or a walk-off.

Yet, Raymond returned the same defensive favor and held on for the win following three outs between a sacrifice bunt, a strikeout and a tag-out at the plate as Milroy was attempting to tie the game on a line drive.

Joey Liebl got the start on the mound and pitched the first five innings, and retired five batters while allowing four walks and two hits. Deutz relieved the final four innings, tossing three strikeouts allowing no walks with one hit.

Photo by Samantha Davis: Milroy Yankee's Aaron Mathiowetz crosses home plate and scores a run Friday night against Raymond at Yankee Field in Milroy.

The Milroy Yankees (3-3) will next return to the field on Sunday with a road game at Hadley with a 2 p.m. first pitch.

“It’s always great to be back with the guys every year. Work all offseason, you only get two, three games a week for a two or three-month period, and then it kind of goes so quickly,” Kvistero said. “But yeah, it’s always great to be back and see all those winter months pay off.”

BOX SCORE

BATTING

A. Schuh: 1-4, BB; J. Liebl: 1-5, R; N. Deutz: 0-1, BB; D. Schmidt: 1-4, R, 2RBI (HR); A. Mathiowetz: 1-2, R, 2BB; B. Schultz: 1-4; J. Hughes: 1-2, BB.

PITCHING

J. Liebl: 5 IP, 4SO, 2H, 3ER, 4BB; N. Deutz: 4 IP, 3SO, H.