Middletown bounces back to throttle Willits in non-league road game
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WILLITS >> One day after being no-hit by the St. Helena Saints in their league opener, the Middletown Mustangs bounced back with a 15-0 victory over the Willits Wolverines in non-league action at Willits.
The game was called after five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.
“Really proud of the way the kids bounced back,” Middletown head coach Kyle Buckhorn.
Despite suiting up the minimum nine players, the Mustangs (2-3-1) improved to 2-0 this season against Willits – both shutout victories. Cody Perez worked all five innings, scattering three hits, striking out seven and walking two.
“The kids really wanted it today, pitching and hitting,” Buckhorn said. “I’m really proud of Cody Perez.”
Buckhorn also credited assistant coach Brandon Costlow with having the team ready to play.
“Coach Brandon Costlow deserves a lot of the credit,” Buckhorn said.
Middletown took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning and added three more runs in the fourth before batting around and scoring 10 times in the fifth.
Willits had a runner cut down at the plate as Jon Hawkins’ throw from medium-deep left field arrived in time to preserve the shutout.
“It was an amazing throw,” Buckhorn said.
Middletown banged out seven hits led by Perez (2-for-3, double). Madden Sutton (1-for-2), Johnny Finney (1-for-3, double) and Kelby Shook (1-for-4, double) drove in two runs apiece. Hunter Karp (1-for-5) scored three times while Hayden Xavier (1-for-4) scored twice.
Middletown jumps back into its North Central League I schedule Friday at Cloverdale. The Mustangs stay on the road Saturday to play Piner in Santa Rosa.
