Pitching and Defense Lifts SteepleCats to Victory

Published on July 13, 2016 under New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
North Adams SteepleCats News Release


The North Adams SteepleCats did not commit a single error defensively in a 2-0 victory over the Upper Valley Nighthawks Wednesday night at Joe Wolfe Field. It was the team's second shutout of the season and their first at home. The victory improved the SteepleCats to 15-13 on the season and moved them up into a tie for first place in the Northern Division.

"It is always great to bounce back especially after the way last night went," said Head Coach Mike Armstrong. "Great pitcher's duel tonight, pitching and defense won the day."

With no score in the bottom of the second, the 'Cats loaded the bases with nobody out. After a pair of force plays at home, Easton Johnson singled home John Mazza to put the 'Cats up 1-0. The 'Cats manufactured another run in the third when Edward Haus reached on an error, scoring Daniel Holst giving the 'Cats a 2-0 lead. There was no more scoring the rest of the way.

'Cats starter Ben Olson was dominant tossing seven shutout innings. He allowed only two hits and struck out six. He improved to 2-1 on the season with both wins coming against the Nighthawks.

"My four seam and curveball were working today," said Olson. "I was able to use my two seam and four seam for strikes and get outs."

The Nighthawks got a good performance out of starter Houston Mabray. He struck out three through six innings pitched and gave up the two runs off eight hits. He looked especially sharp early with two of his three strikeouts coming in the first inning.

Brian Stepniak relieved Olson to start the eighth and he struck out the side. Stepniak's performance set things up for Tanner Bird to record his eighth save of the season for the 'Cats. The Nighthawks sent Joseph Levasseur to the hill for the seventh and eighth and he was able to keep the Nighthawks within striking distance. He struck out three in his two innings of relief work.

With just four games remaining before the all-star break, the 'Cats are looking to build as much momentum as they can in a tight race in the North.

"We have a great team and they were phenomenal in the field for me today," said Olson. "If we can keep doing that we will be alright."

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New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 13, 2016


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