Baseball: Cougars Absorb Red Land’s Punch, Then Counter to Move to 11-0

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Cougars Absorb Red Land’s Punch, Then Counter to Move to 11-0

After an undefeated regular season last year, Palmyra opened 2026 right where it left off in 2025. Entering Monday at 10-0, the Cougars needed a road win over Red Land to keep that momentum rolling, and they got it, pulling away late for a 15-8 victory at Brandt Cook Field.

Matthew Eldridge got Palmyra on the board in the 1st with a sacrifice fly that plated the game’s first run. Red Land answered in the bottom of the 2nd when Nolan Rhine singled down the right field line to tie the score at 1-1, but the Cougars quickly regained the lead in the 3rd on an RBI double from Aidan Willard.

Red Land matched that run in the bottom of the 3rd, then Ezra Good helped Palmyra break the tie for good in the 4th. Good launched a two-run homer to right field, and Julian Meley followed with an RBI groundout to stretch the Cougars’ lead to 5-2.

The game took another turn in the bottom of the 5th when Red Land erupted for six runs to jump in front 8-5. Walks and hit batters played a role in the frame, while Noah Elder singled in two runs and Liam Brenner doubled home two more to give the Patriots their first lead of the afternoon.

Palmyra answered like an unbeaten team in the top of the 6th. Jesse Willi singled in a run, an error brought home another, Nolan Bown drew a bases-loaded walk, and Eldridge came through with a two-run single as the Cougars pushed six runs across to retake control. Palmyra later added four more runs in the 7th to create breathing room.

Good led the Cougars at the plate by going 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored, and two RBI. Willard also had a strong day, finishing with two hits, two doubles, and four RBI. Adam Strohecker added two hits, while Gabe Kernscored three times and Meley worked two walks as Palmyra continued to pressure Red Land throughout the lineup.

On the mound, Chuck Gnall started and worked three innings before the Cougars pieced the rest together in relief. Nate Holt delivered the biggest relief effort, tossing two and one-third scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out three. Palmyra also turned a double play and stole four bases in the win.

For Red Land, Kaden Schmick went 3-for-4 to lead the way offensively. Rhine, Brenner, and Elder each drove in two runs, while Elder and Austin Michelsen both collected multiple hits. Red Land also showed patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks.

Palmyra, now 11-0, will put its unblemished record on the line Wednesday at home against rival Hershey.

Palmyra 15, Red Land 8

Palmyra Leaders

Ezra Good: 3-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, HR, SB
Aidan Willard: 2-4, R, 4 RBI, 2 2B, BB
Matthew Eldridge: 1-4, 2 RBI, SF, HBP
Adam Strohecker: 2-4, R, 2 2B, SB
Jesse Willi: 1-4, R, RBI, BB
Gabe Kern: 2-3, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB
Joey White: 1-4, 2 R
Nolan Bown: 1-2, R, RBI, BB, HBP

Pitching
Chuck Gnall (W): 3.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Grady Stephens: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Nate Holt: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K

Red Land Leaders

Kaden Schmick: 3-4, 3 R
Noah Elder: 1-4, R, 2 RBI
Liam Brenner: 0-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2B
Nolan Rhine: 1-3, R, 2 RBI, BB
Austin Michelsen: 2-2, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB
Lucas Elder: 2-4

Pitching
Austin Michelsen: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Carter Harman: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Evan Needham: 1.0 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Nolan Rhine: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Full Box Score

Last Game: Cougars Move to 10-0 with Shutout at Gettysburg