Ethan S. Smith – 06/30/24
The Danville Dans defeated the Johnstown Mill Rats 10-3 on Sunday at Sargent’s
Stadium at The Point, concluding the first half of the 2024 Prospect League for Johnstown.
Danville center fielder Aaron Downs(2-for-5) didn’t allow Johnstown starting pitcher Tyler
Elliott(R) to even settle into this one, sending one over the left-center field wall to kickstart the
Danville offense with a leadoff home run. Third baseman Graham Mastros(2-for-4) followed with
a two-run home run later in the top of the first, placing one in pretty much the same spot as
Downs, giving Danville an early three-run advantage.
Elliott, who entered the game with a 5.23 ERA for the Mill Rats, struggled mightily versus
the Danville offense, allowing seven earned runs in just 2.1 IP before being taken out by
manager Josh Merrill after a RBI-double from Danville left fielder Taft Middleton(3-for-4). Elliot
was relieved by left-hander Spencer Maley, who recorded the final two outs in the third inning
without allowing a run.
Danville catcher Nate Vargas had a solid afternoon for the Dans, going 3-for-6 with two
runs scored. Right fielder Brenden Stressler(2-for-4) collected two RBIs while first baseman
Gray Wells(1-for-4) collected an RBI and scored a run as well.
The game was carried the rest of the way by a slew of Mill Rats relievers, as Scott
Templeton(L), William Oczkowski(R), Caio De Araujo(R) and Liam Royster(R) finished out the
remaining six innings for Johnstown, allowing two earned runs.
Danville starting pitcher Jacob Havern(R) had a strong afternoon, striking out seven
across five innings of work while allowing one earned run. He entered the game with a 3.65
ERA in the 2024 Prospect League season, ending his first half on a high note.
Johnstown’s offense could never really kick into gear on Sunday, with the Danville
pitching staff holding the Mill Rats to just four hits. Second baseman Landon Meyer(1-for-2) and
designated hitter Joey Perry(0-for-2) were the only Mill Rats to record RBIs.
Danville relied on relief pitchers Mason Robinson(R) and Austin Morris(R) to close out
the game for the Dans.
The loss set Johnstown’s record at 13-16, placing them in third place in the Northeast
division to conclude the first half. Danville improved to 17-13, holding off REX Baseball to win
the Central division.
Johnstown is off Monday and Tuesday before kicking off the second half of the 2024
Prospect League campaign versus the Champion City Kings on Wednesday and Thursday to
conclude their homestand.