MAUGANSVILLE — Hub City Little League completed a Maryland District 1 10-12 Baseball championship three-peat with a 15-5 victory over South County on June 29.
The reward: Another shot at the Maryland state tournament, this time just eight miles from Hub City’s home base.
After outscoring its four district opponents by a combined 52-7, Hub City (4-0) will carry plenty of confidence to Marty Snook Park and Halfway National Little League, where the state tournament will begin on Saturday, July 18. Hub City’s first game will be on Sunday, July 19 at 9 a.m.
Most of Hub City’s players were on the 8-10 state championship team two years ago, as well as last year’s 10-12 squad that went 1-2 in the state tournament.
“There’s nine or 10 (players) back from last year. They’ve been together for a long time,” said Hub City manager Chad Secrest. “I really like our team. They’ve gotten better as they’ve gotten older. We seem to hit the ball well and pitch pretty well, as well. I like our chances.”
In the district championship game, Layson Bachtell went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, including a solo home run that ended the game by the 10-run rule in the bottom of the fourth inning. Cameron Swartz had two hits and three RBIs, and Jace Stains had two hits, including a triple.
Hub City scored 10 runs in the first inning to give plenty of support to starting pitcher Cain Turner, who allowed three hits, one walk and three hit batters while striking out seven in the complete-game victory.
“We obviously want to hit pretty consistently throughout the game, but any time you can do it, we’ll take the runs early,” Secrest said.
Holden Strock had two hits, including a three-run triple, to lead South County.
Secrest hopes Hub City applies last year’s state tournament lessons in three weeks.
“We learned you can’t take anything for granted and you have to play each game,” Secrest said. “I hope they learned that nothing is given.”
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Three-peat! Hub City still reigns as District 1 10-12 baseball kings
