HOULTON, Maine — It has been a strong start to the season for the Houlton baseball and softball squads.
Both Shire squads picked up victories in their first two games of the season, and have done so in impressive fashion.
The Houlton softball team defeated Washington Academy 14-2 on Saturday in the season-opener at East Machias. The Shires followed that up with an impressive 19-1 victory over Caribou at home Monday afternoon.
In Saturday’s contest, Maddie Marino pitched the squad to victory. Drew Warman led the team offensively with a double and single, while Emma Swallow, Calli Sylvia, Paige Royal, Olivia Henderson and Amelia Callnan all had one hit.
Against Caribou Monday, Marino twirled a no-hitter against the Vikings, including four strikeouts. Warman had a double and single, while Bre Barton had two hits for the Shires.
HOULTON, Maine — May 2, 2022 — About to squeeze the ball at first base is Houlton’s Emma Swallow (left) as Caribou baserunner Jillian Zeigler runs to the bag. Houlton won 19-1. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — May 2, 2022 — Sliding home safely during Monday’s softball game is Houlton’s Calli Sylvia as Caribou catcher Gabbie Sutherland catches the ball. Houlton won 19-1. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
On the baseball diamond, the Shires picked up a 9-2 victory over Washington Academy Saturday and followed up with a 8-2 win over Caribou Monday.
In Saturday’s game, Garrett Harvey allowed two runs on three hits and five walks, with five strikeouts in five mound innings. Silas Graham tossed two innings of scoreless relief, allowing one hit and two walks, with four strikeouts.
Offensively, Thadon Gentle led the way with a triple and single, while Graham added two doubles and Bronson Hanning doubled and singled. Collin Moody, Brock Thompson, Cody Johnston and Mark Thibodeau each had a single.
Houlton outhit Washington Academy 10-4 and committed no fielding miscues on the day. The Raiders had six errors defensively.
Against Caribou Monday, the Shires scored three times in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back.
Graham tossed four scoreless innings, giving up just one hit and two walks, with eight strikeouts in a strong mound performance. Moody pitched the final three innings, allowing two runs on three hits, with one strikeout.
For Caribou, Bryce Dillon gave up eight runs on five hits and five walks, with six strikeouts through three mound innings. Brayden Brescia allowed just one hit with five strikeouts in three innings of relief.
Leading the Shires at the plate were Gentle (2 singles), and one single each for Graham, Harvey, Hanning and Kadan Carpenter.
Brescia, Bryce St. Pierre, Matt Pelletier and Reece Cavagnaro each had a single for the Vikings.
Houlton committed six errors defensively, while Caribou had five errors.
HOULTON, Maine — May 2, 2022 — Diving safely back to first base on a pickoff attempt is Caribou’s Brayden Brescia as Houlton first baseman Brock Thompson squeezes the ball. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — May 2, 2022 — Caribou third baseman Griffen McNeal prepares to catch the ball as Houlton’s Bronson Hanning slides headfirst to the base during Monday’s game. Houlton won 8-2. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — May 2, 2022 — Houlton baseball coach Jim Castner puts the brakes on baserunner Garrett Harvey during Monday’s game against Caribou. The Shires won 8-2. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — May 2, 2022 — Houlton catcher Cody Johnston (right) prevents Caribou’s Reece Cavagnaro from touching home plate for an out during Monday’s game. About to make the call is umpire Cliff Urquhart. Houlton won 8-2. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
