By GameChanger Media Despite seeing their 5-run lead whittled down by the end, Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen still held off for an 8-7 victory on Monday. Plymouth Varsity Pilgrims closed the gap by scoring on a ground out, a single, and a pop out. Plymouth Varsity Pilgrims opened the scoring in the first after Parker Wolfe singled, scoring one run. Plymouth Varsity Pilgrims extended their early lead with two runs in the bottom of the second thanks to RBI sacrifice flies by Grady Metsker and Preston Wolfe. Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen flipped the game on its head in the top of the third, scoring five runs on two hits to take the lead, 5-3. The biggest blow in the inning was a home run to center field by Shawn Nowacki that drove in three. Colton Handley (1-1) earned the win for Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen. The pitcher gave up five hits and three runs over five innings, striking out three and walking one. Nick Manzuk took the loss for Plymouth Varsity Pilgrims. The starter went two innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on two hits, striking out two and walking two. Landon Johns appeared in relief for Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen. Nowacki led Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen with three runs batted in. The shortstop went 1-for-4 on the day. Drew Ginter led Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen with two hits in four at bats. Will Hartzke stole three bases. Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen ran wild on the base paths, tallying six stolen bases for the game. Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen turned one double play in the game. Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen were sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Kamdon Putz had the most chances in the field with seven. Manzuk led Plymouth Varsity Pilgrims with three hits in four at bats. Ethan Hall paced Plymouth Varsity Pilgrims with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, collecting seven walks for the game. Plymouth Varsity Pilgrims turned one double play in the game. Next up for Mishawaka Varsity Cavemen (4-3, NLC 1-0) is a game at Wawasee on Wednesday. Copyright © 2025 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution and is subject to the Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Terms of Use, License Agreement, and Privacy Policy.