Middleton, Fla. – The Villages High School baseball team opened its 2026 season with a mercy-rule victory Monday night in Middleton.

The Buffalo plated 10 runs in five innings for a 10-0 win over Cornerstone Charter Academy at the VHS Baseball Stadium, with the new-look squad using aggression on the bases to run away from the Ducks.

The Villages (1-0) tallied 12 stolen bases — a single-game program record — and took advantage of seven free bases offensively. Tyson Rima, one of seven Buffalo players replacing now-graduated seniors in the starting lineup, led the effort with four stolen bases.

Junior right-hander Corey Swetnam shrugged off a shaky start on the mound after allowing three first-inning walks, eventually tossing 4-2/3 scoreless frames with nine strikeouts and just two hits allowed. 

Nolan English paced VHS at the plate with a 2-for-3 night and three RBI, while Cameron Russ drove in a pair of runs and Rima had two hits with three runs scored.

The Buffalo return to action Feb. 17 against Lake Weir, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Middleton.


Cody Hills can be reached for questions or comment via email at cody.hills@tvcs.org.