They needed a spark — and Matt Meisten delivered it.
With runners on first and second and one out, Meisten stepped to the plate and lasered the third pitch he saw into left field, bringing home Ryan Bower with what proved to be the game-winning run in a 2-1 victory. A final push against the top team in the Philly Select 13U division — in their last game before playoffs.
“I was just trying to stay through the ball up the middle and drive it,” Meisten said.
The Spiders clung to the one-run lead in the bottom half to seal the victory — a major momentum boost as the postseason looms. Meisten’s go-ahead RBI double capped off a night where he impacted the game in every way possible.
He started the game on the mound, looking to neutralize one of the most potent offenses in the division. He did just that, tossing three efficient innings while allowing just one run, walking none, and consistently forcing soft contact.
“He's the guy who always shows up ready to go,” said Spiders assistant coach Nate Veasey. “He comes in with the right mindset, the right attitude. Whatever spot we have him in, he's ready to go. Today, he came out throwing strikes — real quick inning in the first — and he just kept it rolling.”
While Meisten dazzled on the mound, he was just as impactful at the plate. He walked in the second inning, then followed with back-to-back singles before his decisive double in the seventh. It was a complete performance in a game the Spiders desperately wanted to win.
They had chances earlier — loading the bases in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings — but managed only one run in that span. Meisten’s hit finally broke the deadlock.
“His attitude for us all year has been great,” Veasey said. “So if you want any guy up in a spot like that — late in the game, runner in scoring position, tie ballgame — Matt Meisten is definitely our guy.”
This is Meisten’s first summer with the Spiders, though he already had existing friendships with several teammates from school. That foundation has helped build team chemistry, something he says has been his favorite part of the season.
The Spiders now enter the 13U playoffs riding high, having won three of their last four to finish the regular season at 9-8.
To make a deep playoff run, they’ll need more efforts like the one Meisten delivered on Tuesday — on the mound, at the plate, and in the biggest moments.
“We’ve been on a roll recently, and we’re just looking to keep that up,” Veasey said. “We want to keep the energy positive and rely on guys like Matt to step up when it matters.”
The next step? Friday.
“Playoffs start Friday,” Meisten said. “And we’re trying to get all the way to the championship.”
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