HOULTON, Maine — After a quiet start, Houlton’s bats sprang to life in the latter half of the Shiretowners’ Class C North quarterfinal game with Calais Thursday afternoon.
Houlton bashed 12 hits to carry the No.3 Shires to a 19-7 victory over No. 6 Calais in a six-inning game shortened via the 12-run mercy rule.
The Shires (11-2 overall) traveled to No. 2 Central of East Corinth on Friday afternoon for a semifinal contest.
In Thursday’s quarterfinal, Maddie Marino led the charge with a double, two singles and three runs scored, to help her cause inside the pitching circle. Drew Warman added a double and single, wth four runs scored and Breanne Barton had two singles and two runs.
Tallying singles for Houlton were Victoria Forbush, Emma Swallow, Hannah Foster, Amelia Callnan and Gabby Gentle.
The Shires showed lots of base running savvy, stealing numerous bases against Calais.
“If we can get runners on, we can manufacture runs,” Houlton coach Travis Gentle said. “That is what I have been telling the team all year. We just need to make contact to make things happen.”
Calais used two pitchers in Thursday’s contest, starting Nevaeh Thomas, before switching to Sophia McVicar in the fourth inning.
For the Blue Devils (11-6 overall), McVicar tallied the lone hit and scored a run. Several Calais players drew walks or reached base via errors.
HOULTON, Maine — June 10, 2021 — Houlton’s Drew Warman connects on this pitch during Thursday’s Class C North quarterfinal with Calais. Houlton won 19-7 in six innings. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — June 10, 2021 — Houlton first baseman Emma Swallow (left) prepares to catch the relay throw for the force out as Calais’ Trinity Jones runs to the bag. Houlton beat Calais 19-7 Thursday in a Class C North quarterfinal. (Joseph Cyr|Houlton Pioneer Times)
