The rivalry between Middletown High School North and Middletown High School South added another exciting chapter on Thursday evening as the Lions defeated the Eagles, 8-5, in a Shore Conference matchup at Middletown South High School.

With the victory, Middletown North improved to 11-10 overall and 5-7 in Shore Conference B North play, while Middletown South fell to 4-16 overall and 1-9 in Shore Conference A North competition.

Although the game remained close through the middle innings, Middletown North’s offense delivered timely hits and consistent pressure at the plate to pull away late. The Lions finished with 12 hits as several players contributed big performances offensively.

Donovan Murphy led the way for North, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored. Ryan Clark turned in one of the strongest performances of the night, finishing 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including an extra-base hit. Derek Thoms added two hits and scored a run, while Brady Kernan contributed an RBI hit. Danny Sigler and Jack Byers each added doubles as the Lions’ lineup stayed productive throughout the game.

Middletown South battled back offensively with eight hits of its own. Jack Dougherty provided one of the game’s biggest moments with a solo home run, while Ryan Cerminaro drove in two runs for the Eagles. Jack Concordia collected two hits, and Matt Korth added an RBI as South attempted to keep pace with the Lions’ offense.

On the mound, Mason Lisotto earned the win for Middletown North. Lisotto pitched 4.1 innings and recorded five strikeouts while allowing just one earned run. Charlie Juliano came on in relief and helped secure the victory over the final innings.

Despite taking the loss, Middletown South pitcher Tom Costello battled through more than four innings and struck out seven batters. Johnny Daley and Mike Gough also saw time on the mound for the Eagles.

The victory gave Middletown North another important divisional win as the Lions continued to build momentum heading deeper into the spring season. Meanwhile, Middletown South showed resilience offensively and continued to compete hard in one of the Shore Conference’s most spirited rivalries.