Junior High Hornets Start Season Off At 3-0

By: Ed Weaver  /  April 18, 2024

The Wellsboro Junior High Baseball team defeated Williamson twice on Monday, then took a game from Cowanesque Valley Wednesday in their home opener before rain cancelled the second game.

On Monday at Williamson the Hornets swept the doubleheader, taking the first game 15-0 in three innings. Wellsboro drew 15 combined walks at the plate. Griffin Morral started on the mound for the Hornets striking out 5 and walking 1 over 1 & 2/3 innings. Jake Starkweather came in in relief and struck out 3 while walking 2 in the remaining 1 & 1/3 innings.

In game two Wellsboro pulled out a 10-9 come-from-behind win. Logan Johnson led the offense going 1-for-2 at the plate with a single, a walk, and reached on an error. Johnson scored all 3 times he was on base. Keegan VanZile came through clutch for the Hornets in the top of the 5th inning with a triple that put the Hornets ahead 10-9. Wellsboro also drew 10 walks at the plate in the game.

The combined pitching effort of Logan Stevens, James Doughtie, and Gage Baltzley combined for 11 Ks and 8 walks while only giving up 5 hits.

On Wednesday against the Indians, Wellsboro's offense exploded for 9 runs on 6 hits and 8 walks en route to a 9–0 victory. Reed Richardson led the offense going 2-for-3 at the plate with 2 singles, a walk, and scoring 2 runs. Wes Starkweather and Gabe Cuneo each hit a double to add to the offense. Griffin Morral threw a complete game no-hitter, striking out 10 while only allowing 2 walks over the 5 innings.

The second game against CV was called due to rain with Wellsboro leading 2-0 after the 2nd inning. At the plate Colton Reese was 1-for-1 with a double and Landon Owlett was 1-for-1 with a single and an RBI. Gage Baltzley pitched the 2 innings and struck out 4 while only giving up 2 walks. He did not allow a hit.

The Hornets are back in action on Monday at home against Canton.