66th Monroe County Fair Baseball Tournament Kicks Off

Two First‑Time Homeruns Spark Excitement

Jackson Perkins of Ida Blue and South Rockwood’s Levi Ashcraft each launched the first over‑the‑fence home runs of their careers on opening day. The two blasts helped set a lively tone for the 66th annual tournament, which began under clear skies on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Fans gathered at Fairgrounds Diamond watched the youngsters demonstrate the power that makes youth baseball a beloved summer tradition.

The defending champions, Monroe American, opened with dominant wins over Dundee (10‑0) and Erie Mason (19‑7). In the latter game, Monroe’s pitchers allowed no hits, and a six‑run fourth inning by Geo Depew’s triple locked in the victory. The reign of Monroe American looks strong as they defend their recent title.

Coaching History and Family Ties

South Rockwood coach Justin Harrison brought his three sons onto the field for the first time in the tournament he helped lead to a championship in 1999. “We have a really good team,” Harrison said, “I hope we win a lot more games.” His debut win on Saturday marks a nostalgic moment, linking three generations of local baseball talent.

Ida Blue’s bench was filled with pride as Perkins’ homer sparked a big inning, echoing the moments when the team’s own power hitters rose to the occasion. Coach Jacob Costello praised the youngster, noting that “He’s a good hitter, he can hit home runs, he just hadn’t yet. He gave the ball to his mom after the game.”

Game Highlights and Scoring Sprees

In the night caps, Bedford Elite 12‑U edged Monroe National 15‑11 after a six‑run sixth inning erased a 9‑9 tie. Cameron Lemle’s triple and double, including a two‑run blow in the clutch inning, propelled the victory. Monroe’s Evan Budds, Connor Croley, LJ Lymn and Cade Stang each tally‑ed two runs for the losing side.

Ida Gold erupted for eight runs in the opening frame, cruising past Frenchtown 15‑0. Jase Connor went 3‑for‑3, while Brody McLaughlin added a single and a double. Bennett Ryder’s three RBIs highlighted a relentless offensive display that left the opposition powerless.

Mid‑Day Showdowns and Defensive Mastery

Monroe American’s victory over Dundee was sealed by a six‑run fourth inning, turning a 2‑0 lead into a mercy‑rule win. Geo Depew’s triple drove in the crucial runs, and the Monroe staff kept Dundee hitters in check all game long. The shutout performance underscored the depth of talent within the Monroe organization.

In the later game, Bedford Elite 11‑U battled Ida Blue to a nail‑biter that ended 8‑6. Braydin McCluskey’s triple and Eli Sandlin’s double sparked a three‑run rally in the final inning. Perkins’ three‑run homer in the first gave Ida Blue its only early cushion, and it proved to be half of all the runs they would score.

Massive Innings and Individual Excellence

The Monroe‑Mason matchup featured a record‑setting second inning where five Monroe hitters crossed the plate twice each, fueling a 15‑run explosion. Benton Cosby, Geo Depew, Henry Langton, Isaiah Woods and Jamison Gable each contributed two runs, while Nolan Aulph’s triple and Gavin Ball’s double anchored the offense. Mason’s Daxton Meisner managed two runs of his own in a losing effort.

South Rockwood’s 14‑6 win over Bedford Elite 12‑U was driven by Levi Ashcraft’s two home runs, including an inside‑the‑park blast followed by a wind‑jammer over the fence. Ashcraft drove in four runs and later gave his mom the ball as a souvenir. Ace Harrison and Leland Harrison each collected three hits, and Zeke Allen finished with two hitless innings to lock down the victory.

Sunday’s Schedule and What’s at Stake

The tournament continues on Sunday with Bedford 3B facing Ida Gold at 8 a.m., followed by Monroe National vs. Ida Blue at 10 a.m. Erie Mason meets Frenchtown at noon, and Dundee squares off against the loser of the Bedford 3B‑Ida Gold game at 2 p.m. Two additional contests in the losers’ bracket are slated for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., ensuring another packed day of competition at the Fairgrounds Diamond.

Fans can expect more high‑scoring innings, defensive gems, and the chance to see young talent develop as the tournament progresses toward its culminating games. The community’s support remains a vital part of the event’s 66‑year legacy, bringing families together for weekend baseball excitement.