The Wildcats got off to a slow start to the 2015 baseball season, dropping four of their first five games, but things went better Tuesday when they picked up a road win over Mogollon in extra innings.
The Cats opened the season in a losing bid to Holbrook last Wednesday, 14-0.
Playing in the Phoenix Country Day School tournament over the weekend, they picked up one win against three losses. On Friday they fell to Tonopah Valley, 11-6, and Parker, 23-1. Saturday morning they picked up their first win of the season, taking a 7-1 decision over Canyon State Academy. Saturday afternoon they fell to Bourgade Catholic, 14-3.
Anytime Joseph City defeats Mogollon, regardless of the sport, it tends to quickly wipe away losses. Tuesday’s game against the Mustangs was knotted at 3-3 through seven innings. In the top of the eighth Dylan Romero singled in the go ahead run, then Sam Johnstun, who went 3 for 4 on the day, knocked in two more insurance runs as part of his three RBI game.
Bryndon Buckley earned the win on the hill, giving an excellent effort, according to Coach Eric Miller. Buckley allowed just two earned runs while striking out 14 with only one walk.
The Wildcats are now 2-4. They will play in the Hopi tournament this weekend, with games scheduled against Tuba City, Hopi and Many Farms. On Tuesday, March 17, they host Mogollon in a quick rematch from this week’s game.
Players on the young Wildcat roster include juniors Sam Johnstun, Cody Runyan, Jack Wilbanks and Tyler Fenn. They are joined by sophomores Troy Poudrier, Bryndon Buckley, Cota Smith and Dylan Romero, and freshmen Jesse Hulsey, Trey Tuckfield and Rance Haddox.
