VEEDERSBURG — Adam Acton brushed the infield dust away as a fierce breeze blew it right into the Fountain Central third base dugout.
He wanted to see a first for his baseball team. Brothers played both end of the battery to start the game Tuesday evening. They just happened to be Acton’s sons, pitcher Owen and catcher Nolan.
“That’s the first time ever,” Acton said. “I think as a freshman Nolan did admirably. He blocked a lot of balls. It was kind of fun and unique. I’m sure my wife was a little more sentimental as I was in game mode.”
The brothers and rest of the Mustangs hung tough before visiting Riverton Parke (2-0, 2-0 WRC) broke open a 5-5 game with nine runs over the last four innings en route to a 14-7 Panther win.
The Mustangs, fresh off a 13-10 loss the night before to the same team, jumped on Panther senior starter Derron Hazzard for five runs in the first, sending 10 batters to the plate. Bases loaded walk to Lukas Miller, fielders choice by Luke Foxworthy and hit by pitch to Zach Guerin all plated runs.
Hazzard settled down and at one point retired nine Mustangs in a row.
Offensively, sophomore sensation A.J. Goff had four hits and three RBI for the winners. The lefthander also hurled the final three innings.
The Mustangs are close, according to their coach, coming off the semi-state basketball run. Time for those players to get in baseball gear.
“A lot of our core players, five of our starters, only have five practices under their belt there’s some catching up to do. It’s not an excuse it’s reality. They haven’t had many swings, throws and not on the mound too much.”
Foxworthy had two more hits and scored a pair of runs. FC had seven hits, all singles.
One issue could’ve been the outfield with the wind blowing right to left, but Andrew Woodward and Guerin made all the plays.
“Zach is a senior. He’s been there before. It was windy. He’s a good kid, four year player and works hard.”
Acton’s squad gave up 10 walks and 10 stolen bases, but is confident that will turn around.
The Mustangs (0-2, 0-2 WRC) hit the diamond next on Thursday playing host to North Montgomery before traveling to Crawfordsville Saturday.
“I like playing the two 3A teams. We’re right there. There’s definitely things to work on. Just have had things with no time to work on. Trying to do it on the fly.”
