Monarchs Make It Four In A Row Over Weir
Kim North Trending
GLEN DALE - Not even temperatures hovering around the freezing mark and snow flurries fluttering in the wind could cool off red-hot John Marshall Monday at Monarch Field.
The Monarchs (4-1) won for the fourth consecutive game and used a stellar pitching effort from Alex Wilhelm in a 7-3 victory over visiting Weir.
"Alex pitched very well and so did Kayden in those weather conditions," John Marshall head coach Mark Cisar said. "If our pitchers learn to throw strikes, good things will happen."
The Monarchs took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third when Brooks Harrison drew a leadoff walk and went to second on a wild pitch. Hayden Gaiser, the No. 9 hitter in the lineup, laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, but the throw to first sailed down the right field line as Harrison scored and Gaiser raced to second.
The hosts eventually loaded the bases but couldn't do any more damage.
A four-run fourth made it 5-0 as Harrison ripped a two-run single. Hughes had two singles and an RBI, while Wilhelm singled in a run.
"We've been hitting the ball really well so far. We've never hit like this this early in the season," Cisar pointed out. "I'm pleasantly pleased because we've got a lot of young kids, especially some sophomores, who are playing really well."
The Red Riders scored two unearned runs in the top of the sixth on a throwing error by the Monarchs.
Wilhelm earned the win with five strikeouts and a trio of walks. Knapp earned the three-inning saves with three Ks and a pair of walks.
The bottom four spots in John Marshall's order combined for five runs scored.
Aleks Zanieski doubled in a run for Weir. Liam Williamson took the loss in relief. He fanned one and walked four.
After a day off, the Monarchs welcome Linsly on Wednesday.