A Family Affair on the Mound: Cousins Lead Little Giants with Grit and Dominant Performances

It was a week of outstanding pitching for the Fremont Ross baseball team, as cousins Max Durnwald and Griffin Reineck delivered two impressive performances on the mound—proving that for the Little Giants, pitching runs in the family.
On Monday, the Giants squared off against Carey in a tightly contested matchup. Junior Max Durnwald was outstanding, allowing just three hits and zero earned runs while striking out seven over six strong innings. He battled all night and gave Fremont Ross every opportunity to win. “When your pitcher gives you that type of outing, you expect to win,” said Head Coach Thiessen. Despite the effort, cold bats and a few defensive miscues led to a tough 3-2 walk-off loss.
But Wednesday told a different story—and it was fueled by grit, determination, and relentless hard work from sophomore Griffin Reineck.
Called upon for a few innings, the southpaw sophomore delivered far more. Reineck earned his first career varsity win, going five shutout innings while allowing just four hits. His performance wasn’t just impressive—it was a reflection of the work he’s put in behind the scenes. From offseason preparation to daily effort at practice, Reineck has earned every bit of this moment.
He attacked hitters with confidence, stayed composed under pressure, and gave his team exactly what they needed. It was the kind of performance that energizes a dugout—and a program. Simply put, it was a breakthrough moment for a young player who has been grinding for this opportunity.
The offense backed him up in a big way. Cam Joseph drove in four runs, including a clutch two-run home run in the top of the seventh to give the Little Giants the lead they wouldn’t give back, securing a 7-6 win over Lorain.
The night also showcased what it means to be a Little Giant. Jaiveon “Bubs” Morrisette embodied the team-first mentality by selflessly giving up his shoes to keep the starting lineup intact. His actions reflect the culture of “we over me” that continues to define this team.
With momentum building and young players stepping up in big ways, the Little Giants now turn their attention to Friday as they travel to Findlay—looking to carry that energy forward.
