Wildcats Notch First Win, 8-3, over Jersey Shore

AdminApril 5, 2017

2 minutes read

MILL HALL — Central Mountain, faced with an uncharacteristic 0-3 start, needed a win and got one Wednesday, a solid 8-3 victory over rival Jersey Shore at Mill Hall Community Park. The Wildcats moved to 1-3 on the year, ‘Shore falling to 1-2.

Mahlik Houtz made his first start on the mound a successful one. After giving up four hits and three runs in the top of the first inning, the Wildcat junior found his rhythm and finished with six solid innings of 5-hit, 3-run ball, earning the win.

“Mahlik Houtz came out after that first inning and settled down, kept his composure,” CM head coach, Mike Kramer explained of his starting pitcher, “Very proud of him working his pitches and let his defense play for him.”

Houtz help his cause with three singles and 2 RBIs, part of a 12-hit Wildcat attack against three Bulldog hurlers. Multiple hits also came from Brandon Miller with a single and double, Austyn Carson with two singles and two RBIs and Troy Gardner with two doubles and an RBI. Adding singles were AJ Smith, Brady Eck and Zach Eck.

“Earlier in our other games we had runners on base and we weren’t able to get that next hit with runners in scoring position,” said Kramer, “It was nice to see guys square up and hit the ball solid throughout the lineup. I was very glad to see that today.

The Wildcats backed Houtz and reliever Kolton Parker with great defense, including a spectacular diving catch by centerfielder Miller to rob Jersey Shore’s Brandon DePasqua of extra bases. Second baseman Trevor Hanna teamed with shortstop Carson and first baseman Smith for a well-turned 4-6-3 groundball double-play.

“Brandon Miller had an outstanding play in center field,” Kramer shared, “Everybody here never thought he had a chance at that ball. He had such a great read on the ball, he made that play because that’s the way he plays in practice. I hope our other guys see how that hard work pays off,” Kramer added.

“We had a nice double-play from our infield midway through the game,” Kramer added, “Austyn (Carson) and Trevor (Hanna) did a great job. Then Asher Corl held on to a third strike foul tip. Those things are little things that make a big difference.

‘Shore starter Aaron Best was the hard-luck loser, his defense committing six errors in the first two innings as Central Mountain turned a 3-0 deficit into a 5-3 lead and never trailed again. The Bulldogs finished with eight errors overall. CM sophomore Parker pitched the final inning for Central Mountain; after giving up a leadoff walk, he fanned the next three JS batters.

Central Mountain will be back home Friday, April 7, 2017 hosting Midd-West while Jersey Shore goes to Shamokin also on Friday.