SHINGLEHOUSE – Led by Brentton McDowell’s strong performance on the mound, the Smethport baseball team earned their first win of the season, defeating Northern Allegany League opponent Oswayo Valley 6-1.
The Hubbers showed some early offense with Ryan Mason hitting a single to get on base. Mason would steal a base and a few pitches later be driven in thanks to a hard ground ball hit up the middle of the field by Brentton McDowell. Bennett Harris also hit a fast ground ball that drove in McDowell to give Smethport a 2-0 lead to start the game.
With a quick three outs on their first time on defense, the Hubbers were able to extend their lead in the second inning. After getting a player on base, Zach Hungiville had a sacrifice hit that drove in the baserunner, putting Smethport up by three.
Slowing down the Hubbers hot start, the Green Wave was able to get their offense going in the bottom of the third. Isaiah Goode led off with a deep hit to the gap between right and center field for a double. While stealing third base, the Hubbers would overthrow, allowing Goode to score.
However, at their next at-bat, Smethport would add on another run to regain their momentum. With the bases loaded, Harris was able to steal home plate after a wild pitch got past the Green Wave catcher. The Hubbers continued to play strong defense and held on to a 4-1 lead after four innings.
“Parts of our game are starting to come along,” said Oswayo Valley head coach James Sunderland. “We are working to improve our offense. Once that starts clicking we will be in a good spot.”
Throughout the next few innings, both teams would prevent each other from scoring. McDowell had himself a strong outing by striking out 13 batters and only allowing two hits in the 5.2 innings pitched. This strong defensive effort kept the Green Wave from cutting into the lead and maintained control throughout the rest of the game.
“They have been playing defense well this year,” said Smethport head coach Colby Austin. “Brentton McDowell led the way for us. Pitching is the name of the game, and if we can keep throwing strikes the rest will follow for us.”
Smethport would finish strong by adding two more runs at their final at-bat in the seventh inning. With the bases loaded, Harris was able to send the ball to the shallow side of right field and allowed two baserunners to score. This brought the Hubbers’ lead to 6-1 as Smethport finished off the game and came away with the victory.
“Making the playoffs is always the goal,” said Austin. “We have to go at least .500. This is a competitive league. With the rain postponing earlier games, we got 16 games over this last month of play. I am hoping to keep up this momentum and just take it one game at a time. Hopefully, by then we will be in a good position come playoff time.”
The Hubbers were led by Hungiville going 2-for-4 with an RBI and Harris who went 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs. The Green Wave were led by Goode who went 2-for-3 and scored the Green Wave’s lone run.
“I want to shout out our catcher Zach Hungiville. He is a freshman, and he did great tonight in his first game behind the plate. I hope he can find a home there and keep improving,” said Austin.
Smethport:
Oswayo Valley: Hackman (5 SO, 4 BB) and Karr
