Gallery: MV baseball drops first-round playoff game in extras

Merrimack Valley shortstop Cam Chevarie has to wait for the ball as Oyster River baserunner slides safely into second base on Thursday. MV lost to Oyster River, 3-0 in the first round. GEOFF FORESTER / Monitor staff

Merrimack Valley pitcher Luke Dougherty yells after recording his last out before being relieved against Oyster River on Thursday. MV lost, 3-0. JAY HEATH / Courtesy

Merrimack Valley shortstop Cam Chevarie bobbles the ball in the eighth inning against Oyster River on Thursday, May 30, 2024. MV lost to Oyster River, 3-0 in the first round matchup. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

Merrimack Valley second baseman Will McPherson waits for the throw as an Oyster River runner slides safely into second on Thursday, May 30, 2024. MV lost, 3-0, in the opening round of the playoffs. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

Merrimack Valley pitcher Luke Dougherty delivers a pitch against Oyster River on Thursday, May 30, 2024. MV lost, 3-0 in the first round against Oyster River. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

Monitor staff

Published: 05-31-2024 9:23 AM

Modified: 05-31-2024 10:13 AM

No. 7 Merrimack Valley saw its season come to an end on Thursday after a 3-0, eight-inning loss to No. 10 Oyster River in the first round of the Division II playoffs. Senior Luke Dougherty started on the mound for MV and didn’t allow a hit in six innings of work while striking out 10. It was his first start since April 29.

The defeat ends the Pride’s season with a record of 9-8.

“Boys battled today. Needed a few timely hits to help Luke out,” MV head coach Sean Wheeler said. “Proud of our team.”