Hodgdon continues its hot-streak and remains perfect on the season with a 2-0 record, while Houlton (1-0) opened its season Monday with a road win. Southern Aroostook (0-1) and Katahdin (0-2) are searching for their first wins of the season.
The following is a recap of games played through Monday.
Houlton 9, Mattanawcook Academy 4 — At Lincoln Monday, in a game originally scheduled for April 20, the Shires avenged last season’s quarterfinal defeat by beating Mattanawcook Academy in this year’s opener.
MA eliminated Houlton last year in the quarterfinals, and was leading Houlton 4-2 to start the seventh inning. But the Shires turned the tables, scoring seven runs in the top of the seventh inning to erase the two-run deficit and held on for the win.
Houlton received timely hits from Nick Botting and Colby Callnan to tie the game before Nick Perfitt drove them in with a single to right field. Ryan Dee had three hits and an RBI, while Cameron Graham added two hits and an RBI.
Dee pitched six strong innings, giving up two hits and striking out seven.
For MA (2-1), Carter Ward had two RBIs, while Jordan Hanscom, Logan Thompson and JJ Clements each picked up singles. Travis Cropley pitched six strong innings before Houlton got to him in the seventh.
Hodgdon 9, Southern Aroostook 3 — At Hodgdon Friday, Jordyn Merritt reached base four times and scored three runs to lead Hodgdon to its second victory of the young season. Blake Woods had three singles and scored a run for the Hawks.
For Southern Aroostook, Nate Lilley doubled, singled and scored a run. Corey Rockwell added two hits for the Warriors.
Katahdin 2, Schenck 7 — At East Millinocket Friday, Schenck’s Ryan Jurgiewich gave up one hit and recorded 20 of 21 outs via strikeouts to lead the Wolverines to victory.
Jurgiewich, who walked one, singled and drew three walks to aid his cause. Riley Dionne added a double and single with two RBIs for Schenck. Sheldon Crawford recorded two singles and Kyle Swartz had a two-run double.
Tyson Porter hit a double for Katahdin’s only hit.
Katahdin 9, Stearns 14 — At Millinocket April 20, Zachary Bouchard pitched one-hit ball over five innings while striking out 11 batters and went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs to propel Stearns to victory.
Mark DiBona singled three times with two RBIs and Andrew Daigle added three hits.
Tyson Porter had the lone hit for Katahdin.
