CLAYTON – After three consecutive rainouts, North Montgomery was able to pick up a 10-6 win in their season opener against future Monon Athletic Conference foe and No. 3 2A Cascade. The Chargers were the home team but due to field conditions, the game was move to be played on the Cadets turf field.
Cascade starting pitcher senior ace Evan Lamphier pitched three innings and shut down the Charger offense by allowing no runs and no hits.
Meanwhile, Charger senior pitcher Jarrod Kirsch gave up three runs in the top of the third inning. Only one run was earned, but the Cadets led 3-0 going to the bottom of the fourth inning when the Charger offense took off.
In the bottom of the fourth inning the Chargers got on the scoreboard when freshman Isaiah Hopkins soared a triple into right centerfield scoring Noah Hopkins and Cade Cole making the score 3-2.
Voorhees complimented the freshman after the game.
“Isaiah is so blessed with so many skills,” Voorhees said. “He hits the ball hard and has a great arm. He is working hard for us.”
North Montgomery’s offense took control of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning when they plated eight runs. The Chargers took advantage of a walk, two errors and two hit batters in the inning.
The big hits in the inning were from Sulc and Gage Edwards who each drove in two runs. Sulc’s hit to left centerfield landed next to the fence and bounced for a 2-RBI ground rule double which allowed Aiden Ambriz and Noah Hopkins to score. Edwards laced a single to right centerfield scoring Isaiah Hopkins and Sulc.
Sulc said his hit was the pitch he was looking for even though he had two strikes at the time.
“I had two strikes and I knew I had to protect the plate,” Sulc said. “I got my pitch and did what I could with it.”
Cascade (2-1) was able to scratch across two runs in the sixth inning and one run in the final stanza.
Junior hurler Cade Cole picked up the win for North Montgomery by pitching 1.1 innings.
Sulc said the come-from-behind victory was good for the team.
“It is good to get this one under our belt feel good about the win,” Sulc said. “We want to continue this feeling and keep hungry and put together the best season we can.”
Voorhees said the opening win was a good way to start the season.
“Our guys have been working since December and to get a win against a phenomenal program like Cascade says a lot about our guys even after falling behind early,” Voorhees said.
North Montgomery (1-0) will begin Sagamore Athletic Conference play 5 p.m. Tuesday at Western Boone. The two clubs will also play at North Montgomery at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
