Crosstown pitching duel ends in Highlander shutout win, 3-0

WINSTED — Berkshire League rival baseball teams Gilbert and Northwestern showcased their ace starters in a seven-inning pitching duel that ended in a Highlander 3-0 shutout win.The teams met on Monday, May 5, at Walker Field, both looking for crucial late-season wins to improve their Berkshire League standings.Jacket Austin Brochu and Highlander Ryan Nelson battled from the mound to chalk up three scoreless innings apiece despite some shaky early fielding efforts from both clubs.Northwestern bloodied the first nose of the afternoon with a base hit from Connor Guiheen. John Lippincott put Guiheen in position to score with a sacrifice bunt, setting up Bobby Lippincott to drive Guiheen home with a line drive base hit into shallow center. Brochu remained collected and closed out the inning with a strikeout to keep the Highlanders’ lead to just one.Nelson kept the Jackets stymied at the plate, and despite coughing up five walks through the day, was able to consistently respond from losing a batter with a very strong pitching effort.Gilbert’s best offense came in the bottom half of the fifth, with a leadoff base hit from Jaron Kolek. Kolek did not have a lengthy stay on the base paths, however, as he was nailed trying to steal second. Yellowjacket Devon Molway produced his first hit of the day and was able to put himself in position to score by swiping second. Gilbert catcher Justin Morhardt, one of the Jackets’ big hitters, was unable to capitalize on the runner at second, as Nelson worked himself out of trouble for another scoreless inning on the score sheet.The Lippincotts conjured up more woe and calamity for the Jackets in the top of the sixth, as John Lippincott put himself on first with a base hit. Bobby Lippincott drove a line drive into shallow right, giving John the opportunity to score as the Jackets bobbled the throw into the infield, allowing the Highlanders to pull ahead by two heading into the bottom of the sixth.Nelson quickly dispatched the Jackets in the sixth, and his team rode their momentum into the final inning to add another run to their lead. Gilbert looked to rally late, but Nelson remained solid until the final out, finishing his complete game shutout performance.“We had some chances but did not execute on the base paths,” said Gilbert head coach Pat Cooke. “We gave up a few unearned runs ,and you have to give credit to Nelson as well. He pitched a fantastic game.”Though troubled by his team’s offensive gaps, Cooke said he was very pleased with his starting pitcher’s efforts throughout the day. “I thought Austin was awesome today,” he said. “Our pitching has been fantastic this season.”The Jackets’ skipper remains positive about the future of his club’s season. “We need to find a way to scratch out four more wins and make our way into the state tournament,” said Cooke. “It’s frustrating because we know our potential.”Brochu and Nelson both pitched outstanding complete game performances. Brochu tallied four strikeouts and one walk, while Nelson tallied five strikeouts and five walks through the afternoon.The Jackets need four wins to reach states, but have a number of difficult outings ahead of them.Gilbert’s record dropped to 4-9, while Northwestern improved to 9-5.