Vernon Hills, IL — Despite seeing their 5-run lead whittled down by the end, the Zee-Bees still held off for a 7-5 victory on Saturday. Vernon Hills closed the gap by scoring on a single and a single. The Zee-Bees got on the board in the top of the first inning after Brayden Duran singled down the left field line, Jack Marabella walked, and the Zee-Bees scored on a wild pitch, each scoring one run. Zion-Benton added to their early lead in the top of the second inning when Duran singled, scoring one run, Michael Gonzalez singled, scoring two runs, and Marabella grounded out, scoring one run. AJ Neargarder earned the win for the Zee-Bees. The right-handed pitcher surrendered seven hits and five runs (one earned) over six and two-thirds innings, striking out six and walking two. Sam Villarreal collected the save. Gonzalez and Duran were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, as each drove in two runs for the Zee-Bees. Duran led Zion-the Zee-Bees with two hits in four at bats. Zion-Benton had a strong eye at the plate, piling up seven walks for the game. Villarreal and Gonzalez led the team with two free passes each. The Zee-Bees will travel to Libertyville Varsity Wildcats for their next game on Monday. Copyright © 2025 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution and is subject to the Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Terms of Use, License Agreement, and Privacy Policy.