SANFORD — Sanford finally put a comeback in the win column Saturday night, handing a sizzling-hot Valley Blue Sox team a 6-1 at home. Perez Knowles would get the win on the hill after an outstanding performance from starting pitcher Justin Courtney.

Courtney would start the game, facing four batters and getting some help from a catcher’s assist from Brock Keener, as he threw out the first of two batters on the evening. After giving up a double and a run in the second, Courtney would settle down on the mound. He would exit after six complete, giving up five hits and one run while fanning five.

Perez Knowles would come on in the seventh inning, and that was when the lead was taken from Valley. After a Ryland Kerr double in the fifth, he would take third on a jumped breaking ball and score on an overthrow to third. The seventh would start on a Riley Pittman walk, followed by a Brock Keener single. Kerr’s third at-bat would be as productive as his second, as a sacrifice bunt would get overthrown at first, and would allow for both Pittman and Keener to score. Jimmy Kerr would line a double out to right-center field, and would extend the score to 4-1. Zach Scott would replace Jimmy Kerr on the bases, and after taking third base, would score on pass ball. 

One more insurance run would be added in the eighth, as Colby Maiola would walk to lead things off. After a Riley Pittman single, Keener would knock in Maiola from second base and secure the lead at five runs.

Jackson Gillis would make his Mainer debut, and after letting two runners on base, would keep the five-run lead and secure his first save of the year.

The Michigan tandem of Jimmy Kerr and Keener would produce the team’s only three RBI, as three of the runs would go down as errors. The Mainers would produce just six hits in the win, but an outstanding performance from behind would finally get some recognition.

Sanford has Sunday off before concluding their six game home stand next week.