(photo of Ryan Scholz from previous game against Haverford)

GARNET VALLEY, PA- Lower Merion found themselves up 3-0 early in this one, but would quickly be matched with Garnet’s offense, forcing them to battle back.

The main guy behind the battle back? Junior Ryan Scholz. With a breakout game consisting of three hits, including a triple and two RBI’s, Scholz was the backbone of the Aces offense in this one. Oh, and he also got the save on the mound.

But not to be forgotten, is how the Aces started this one off. In the top of the second, Jack Hollowell hit a bomb to left, putting the Aces up 1-0.

The bottom of the second would go quickly with Brian Heck on the mound putting Garnet down in order with the exception of a single by Chris Schaller.

With a quick second, the Aces were able to bring the momentum from Hollowell’s homer and build on their 1-0 lead. Charlie Parsons would single into left to start off the inning and crossed home just a play after, with a triple crushed into center by Ryan Scholz. At this point Lower Merion would find themselves up 2-0, but with a groundout by Gus Wright, Scholz would bring the score to 3-0.

For the next three innings, both teams would cruise with their starting pitchers doing what they needed to do.

For the Aces Brian Heck would complete the first four, with no runs allowed and seven strikeouts. After his time was over, Justin Heck, relived for two, coming in recording one strikeout, allowing three runs.

For Garnet, it was Joe Anzalone going five innings, striking out four, and allowing the Aces first three runs.

With a strong pitcher on the mound, if Garnet got the bats swinging, they could get right back in this game, and to the people watching at home (or gamechanger) they did.

In the bottom of the sixth Garnet decided to make this one interesting, (very interesting).

After a series of walks, Garnet had guys on first and second, and with a double by Nolan Carroll, and suddenly this one was 3-3. But not for long, Cole Lombardo would single, bringing home Carroll, and this game was 4-3 Garnet in the bottom of the sixth.

With one last chance to take this in the top of the seventh, the Aces didn’t hesitate.

Charlie Parsons would wrap up a productive day with double, and with a bunt by Matt Hartstein, would advance to third base, reaching home after a clutch single by Ryan Scholz tying the game at 4-4.

Scholz would steal second and reach third after a single by Gus Wright, and finally, after a fly out by Brody Slensky, Scholz would get the last word and score home after tagging up.

Despite just scoring the game winning run, Scholz still went out on the mound to close for the Aces sending Garnet down in order.

For the Aces this one was a lot more stressful than cruising with a 3-0 deficit going into the sixth inning, but there’s something more satisfying about having to battle back. (let’s just save the late game comeback for when its above 70 degrees please. )

Either way, the Aces will improve to 4-1 on the season in the Central League and will be back at home next Monday at 3:45 against Marple Newtown (3-2).

Garnet Valley (3-2 in CL) will be back at it on Friday at Malvern Prep for an out of conference game at 4:00 at the Friars’ gorgeous new turf stadium.