By Jason Lockhart
The Morristown Colonials struck out 11 times in their 7-1 road loss to
the West Morris Central Wolfpack on a warm Wednesday afternoon. Despite
a 3-for-3 batting performance and two doubles by designated hitter
David Smith, Colonials batters struggled to score runs on Wolfpack
pitcher Michael Fuella, who threw nine strikeouts in six innings.
“Anytime you get good pitching, it goes a long way,” said Wolfpack Head
Coach Dan Wydner. “Fuella was down on his zone. We were able to get by
on defense because of his performance.”
The Colonials (2-7) had the bases loaded in the third inning with two
outs when Wolfpack (6-4) centerfielder Connor Young made a diving catch on a line drive by Colonials batter Patrick Lia to save a run.
“We played a pretty good team,” said Colonials Head Coach Josh Ury, adding that his players need to execute plays better.
Colonials pitcher Brandon Theriault struggled through five innings, giving up six runs and a solo homerun by Young in the fourth inning.
Young was the first player to put the Wolfpack on the board in the
second inning with an RBI single. During the play, a second run was
scored by outfielder Tyler Amandas due to a wild throw to second base.
Young also scored the third run of the inning.
Ury after the game reminded players that other sports programs at
Morristown High School, such as the state champion football team, are
doing well. The team has had a very slow start, and Ury urged each player to toughen up because the season will continue
to become more challenging.
“We have four or five sophomores on the team, but I don’t consider this
a rebuilding season,” Ury said. “We are never in rebuilding mode.”
Ury, however, complimented Smith’s performance in Wednesday’s win,
stating that he’s a sophomore who wants to make his mark on the varsity
team.
“Smith is doing a good job,” Ury said. “He knows what Morristown
baseball is all about.”
The Colonials will travel to East Hanover to play Hanover Park, one of the Top 10 teams in Morris County, tonight
at 7.
