SteepleCats Cruise to Victory

Published on June 14, 2016 under New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
North Adams SteepleCats News Release


The North Adams SteepleCats improved to 3-2 on the season Monday night with an 8-0 victory over the Winnipesaukee Muskrats at Robbie Mills Park in Laconia, New Hampshire.

"We are in a great spot," said Head Coach Mike Armstrong. "A lot of talent on both sides of the baseball, offensively, defensively, and on the mound. We are definitely going to be a tough team to beat."

The SteepleCats jumped on top 1-0 in the second inning on Noah Vaughan's third home run of the season. Keaton Wright made it 3-0 in the top of the third on his third home run of the season. There was no looking back.

"Tonight we saw a little more consistency offensively from pitch one till the last pitch in terms of adding runs throughout the game," said Coach Armstrong.

It was also the second consecutive game where the SteepleCats starting pitcher faced the minimum for the first three innings. Starter Braxton Wilks retired the first ten Muskrat hitters he faced in his debut on the mound. He pitched five innings of shutout ball and only gave up one hit.

"It was nice to get out there and throw well," said Wilks. "I had some good plays made by my defense."

He ran into trouble in the fourth inning when the Muskrats loaded the bases with only one out. He then was able to settle down and continue to cruise, striking out Nicholas Perez and Grant Meylan to get out of the inning unscathed.

The 'Cats blew the game wide open in the seventh when the first four batters recorded base hits and all came in to score.  The 'Cats scored a total of five runs that inning and saw ten batters come to the plate making the score 8-0.

"It is much easier to pitch when you have a big lead," said Wilks.

This was also the second game in a row that the 'Cats got a superb performance out of their bullpen. Ryan Tapp relieved Wilks to start the sixth inning. He lasted three innings and helped keep the shutout going. Bryce Barr came on in the ninth to close it out.

"We have won two in a row and are above .500 now," said Wilks. "It is nice. Hopefully we can keep this rolling, come home tomorrow, and get another win."

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