Bearcats Strike Fast, Sweep Warriors

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The W.F. West baseball team capped off an early-season sweep of Rochester at home Tuesday, downing the Warriors 4-1 behind a strong start at the plate and a good showing from a couple young arms on the hills.

The Bearcats struck for three in the bottom of the first inning, with Deacon Meller leading off with a double to left to get things started. Gavin Fugate drove Meller in for the first run, then stole second, took third on a dropped third strike, and scored on an RBI groundout by Weston Potter. The Warriors threw the ball away on a bunt by Ross Kelley, letting Avery Staloch score from second and giving the hosts all the scoring they’d need.

Freshman Miles Martin took the ball for his first league start and dominated, working around four walks to give the Bearcats five shutout innings. Fellow freshman Connor Coleman came in to throw the sixth, allowing an unearned run score on a throwing error of his own.

Early in the season, W.F. West’s two ninth-grade arms have combined for a 1.40 ERA.

Hyde Parrish settled down for Rochester after his tough first frame, going all six for the Warriors and allowing four runs — two earned on seven hits.

Meller went 2 for 3 at the top of the order for the Bearcats, and Potter added two knocks himself.

W.F. West will get the rest of the week off before starting a series with Black Hills next Tuesday. Rochester has a two-week break from league play but will fill the gap with non-league matchups, facing Yelm next Thursday.