PORT ANGELES — It’s now 10 consecutive wins for Wilder Baseball as the elite team swept a doubleheader from the Kitsap Americans at Civic Field.
Port Townsend’s Kyle Kelly threw a complete-game one-hit shutout in the first contest as Wilder improved to 11-3 on the year after starting the summer season 1-3.
Kelly had 11 strikeouts and walked just two in the seven-inning game as Wilder won 4-0 on eight hits.
Wilder captured the second game by a 5-3 score.
“Kyle Kelly was dominant on the mound in another stellar pitching performance,” Wilder coach Chad Wagner said.
“He continues to improve and show that he is a leader in all aspects of the game.”
Kelly also had a strong offensive game as he went 1 for 2 with two runs scored and a stolen base in the first contest.
Also at the plate, Marcus Konopaski went 1 for 1 with an RBI, and he walked twice.
Both Larsson Chapman and Ryan Mudd went 2 for 3 each as Chapman scored one run and Mudd had an RBI.
Wilder had a few mistakes in the doubleheader with three errors in the first game and two in the second, but it didn’t affect the outcome of the games.
Nick Johnston pitched six strong innings in the nightcap, allowing two runs, both unearned, with just three hits while striking out four and walking three to get the win.
Cody Russell struggled a little in the seventh inning, giving up a run on one hit and a walk.
Michael Konopaski, first game back and wearing a cast on one hand, came in with runners on second and third base, no outs and the score 5-3, and struck out the side for the save.
Wilder scored five runs on four hits while Kitsap produced three runs on four hits. Wilder was aided by four Kitsap errors.
At the plate, Brian DeFrang went 1 for 2 with a run scored and an RBI while Brett Wright and Kelly went 1 for 3 each.
Kelly also scored a run and had an RBI.
Devon Courtney showed his speed on the basepaths as he came in to run for Mudd and stole three bases.
“Our bats fell asleep in the second game,” Wagner said.
“It was warm out and you could tell the kids were starting to get fatigued, but they are going to have to learn to play in that type of weather as we are approaching tournaments where we will be playing in hot weather.
“We are making long strides from the beginning of the season but still have a lot of work to do before state.”
