HOULTON, Maine — Stellar pitching and timely hitting helped lift the Houlton baseball team to a 10-0, six-inning victory over No. 10 Sumner Tuesday in a Class C North quarterfinal.
Extending his arms to follow through for a hit is Houlton’s Nick Perfitt during Wednesday’s Class C quarterfinal against Sumner.
(Joseph Cyr)
With the win, No. 2 Houlton (15-2) advances to the semifinals to play against the winner of today’s quarterfinal between No. 3 Orono and No. 6 Bucksport.
In Wednesday’s game, the Shires deployed a trio of pitchers — Cameron Graham, Nick Perfitt and Jason Collett — holding each hurler to less than 40 pitches. In so doing, all three can be used again in the Shires’ next playoff game.
“I thought we played a well rounded game,” Houlton Coach Jim Castner said. “Cam, Nick and Jason were all lights out [on the mound.]”
Houlton catcher Morgan Phillips, left, prepares to catch the ball on its way to home Wednesday afternoon as Sumner baserunner Cameron Nault runs toward the plate. Houlton beat Sumner 10-0 in a Class C North quarterfinal.
(Joseph Cyr)
The trio combined to allow just three hits and one walk, with 13 strikeouts. Graham was exceptional to start the game striking out the side in the first two innings before giving way to Perfitt in the third inning.
Under the new rule, a player who throws between one and 20 pitches is not required to sit out any days for rest. Those that throw 21-39 pitches must refrain from pitching for one day; those throwing 40-65 pitches must have two days of rest; those tossing 66-96 pitches must rest three days; and those delivering 96 or more pitches (with a maximum of 110 pitches) must wait four days before throwing to batters again.
Houlton second baseman Jason Collett throws the ball to first base during Wednesday’s quarterfinal game against Sumner.
(Joseph Cyr)
The Shires bats also were impressive as the team ripped 12 hits in the game. Leading the way was Isia Bouchard, who tallied two doubles and a single, with three RBIs. Keegan Gentle and Thomas Prescott both had a triple, while Colby Callnan had a double and single, with two RBIs. Graham added two singles and Nick Botting, Nick Perfitt and Morgan Phillips each had one single.
Houlton scrimmaged Bucksport in the preseason and split with Orono during the regular season — losing 3-2 in the season opener on the road and beating Orono 4-3 at home.
“We split with Orono losing in our last at-bat there and winning in our last at-bat home,” Castner said. “Either team will be tough. Luckily, we have our pitching completely intact.”
