Polk County had runners on the corners with no outs in the second inning Monday, creating an early outstanding scoring opportunity.
The Wolverines couldn’t capitalize.
West Henderson pitcher James Maltby induced a double play to escape the jam, then dominated the rest of the way as the Falcons shut out Polk County 4-0 in Monday’s non-conference baseball game at The Bottoms.
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The loss snapped Polk County’s four-game winning streak, while West Henderson extended its own win streak to five games.
Polk County’s second-inning threat began when Nate Fagan singled and Gavin Waldbillig followed with a single that put Fagan on third with no outs. But Cooper Meyer’s bunt attempt turned into a double play, leaving Fagan stranded at third. Maltby then recorded a strikeout to end the inning.
The Wolverines (11-6) managed just one more hit the rest of the game.
West Henderson (7-7) broke through with two runs in the third inning to take a 2-0 lead, then added two more in the seventh to put the game away.
Maltby was masterful on the mound, pitching a complete game and allowing just three hits while walking one and striking out six.
Noah Harden pitched well for Polk County, working six innings and allowing just two runs on six hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Fagan pitched the seventh inning.
Harden, Fagan and Waldbillig each had one hit for the Wolverines.
Polk County (11-6) returns to action April 15 at East Henderson.
