Wildcats finish strong at Walker Field

WINSTED — The Yellowjacket boys baseball team surrendered an early lead to the Wolcott Tech Wildcats on  Friday, April 4, ultimately suffering a narrow 8-7 loss at home.

Gilbert starting pitcher Tyler Grant gave the Jackets a strong start, striking out two in the first and wrapping up the inning with the score even.

The Jackets brought their first-inning defensive momentum to the plate, where Devon Kulinski knocked in the first run of the afternoon off a solid base hit. Grant’s contributions early on were not at the mound alone, as he brought Kulinski home with a single.

Devon Molway also found his way to first off another base hit and quickly forced a Wildcat error as they attempted to catch Molway stealing second. Grant was able to stroll home to give Gilbert the 3-0 lead heading into the top of the second.

Gilbert was able to keep the Wildcats scoreless through the second but two consecutive walks and a base hit in the top of the third gave Wolcott Tech a little life, cutting the lead to 3-1 heading into the bottom of the third.

The Jackets responded through the middle innings, building their lead to seven heading into the top of the sixth. Wolcott Tech retaliated with a stunning six-run effort that allowed them to inch ahead of the Yellowjackets by a single run. Gilbert was unable to respond in the dying innings and took the defeat at home, 8-7.

Kulinski went two for three with two runs and an RBI. Grant, Kyle Jones and Bobby Smith all finished out two for four on the afternoon.

The Wildcats road win improved their record to 2-4 while Gilbert drops to 4-4. Gilbert plays at home Friday, April 30, at 3:45 p.m. against Nonnewaug.