While the Cambridge bats have been scorching hot in recent weeks, it was all pitching and defense in a 1-0 shutout victory over North Springs Wednesday evening at North Springs HS. Jon Mullis got the start and went the distance in a dazzling performance. Offensively, the Bears could only scratch together three hits on the evening against the North Springs pitcher, who was nearly as impressive.
Both pitchers sailed through the first two innings. North Springs, however, generated their only real threat in the third. A leadoff single got things started. Mullis struck out the next batter, then Bradley Wiedman made a nice play on a chopper to get the second out at first, though the runner advanced to second. The next hitter lined a ball to left that Pete Gottschalk got a great jump on to hold the runner at third. That would end up being a huge play as the next batter grounded out to first to end the rally.
Things improved the second time through the lineup for the Cambridge hitters. Davis Dasher led off the fourth by getting on by an error on a well-hit ball. Pete Gottschalk came to the plate one batter later and lofted a single to right to move Dasher up to second base. Junior Conner Young came to the plate and promptly lined a 2-0 pitch into right center to score Dasher for what would end up being the only run scored in the game.
Both pitchers took complete control from that point forward, with an infield single by Wiedman representing the only hit for either team from that point. North Springs did get their leadoff batter on base in the sixth inning, but he was erased trying to steal on a beautiful throw from catcher Luke Foote. Mullis added emphasis to his sterling performance by striking out the side in the seventh to close out the game.
Mullis went the distance, striking out ten North Springs batters, allowing only three hits and no walks. He earned his fifth win on the season in the process. Conner Young led the way offensively with his big RBI in the fourth. Gottschalk and Wiedman had the other hits and Davis Dasher scored the game's only run.
Cambridge concludes its series with North Springs with a home game Friday, April 1st at 5:55 PM.
Go Bears!
