GRAFTON — Grafton Post 92 broke open a tight game with a six-run sixth inning Monday night, pulling away for an 8-2 victory over Vernon Hill Post 435 in Massachusetts District 4 American Legion Baseball action.
The teams traded runs through the opening five innings, with Grafton holding a slim 2-1 lead before Vernon Hill tied the game in the top of the fourth. After both clubs were kept off the scoreboard in the fifth, Post 92 erupted in the bottom of the sixth, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring six runs to put the game out of reach.
Ryan Chagnon delivered the biggest offensive performance of the night, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead Grafton’s attack. Haylan Oberg continued his strong season with a 2-for-2 effort, driving in two runs while drawing a pair of walks. Kellen Caron added a hit and scored a run, while Zach Otis collected an RBI single. Landan Swain reached base twice, scored two runs, and added a hit, while Ian Ouellette and Danny Rauktis also contributed hits during the eight-hit offensive effort.
Luke Stevens turned in a dominant performance on the mound, earning the win after allowing just two runs—both unearned—over 6.2 innings. The right-hander scattered five hits, walked two, and struck out 10 to keep Vernon Hill’s offense in check throughout the evening. Ian Ouellette recorded the final out to seal the victory.
The victory puts Grafton at 8-5 this season, good for 4th place in the District 4 standings. They aim their sights to Northbridge later this evening, looking to keep pace in a bottleneck standings board.
