NEW SHARON – Montezuma senior pitcher Owen Cook had a night, and the Braves picked up a 3-2 win over a respected opponent, North Mahaska, on Friday, June 16.
Cook did it with his arm – pitching a complete game gem, and his bat: He went three-for-four with two doubles and two runs batted in, to which he added a stolen base.
The victory snapped a five-game Warhawks winning streak over the Braves in this series, which added value to the victory.
The win was even more noteworthy, because North Mahaska had hung a 12-1 defeat on the Braves earlier in the week.
Montezuma lifted its record to 6-5. The Warhawks are 10-7.
Luke Erselius went two-for-four for the Braves. Adding one hit each were Garrett Watts, Cruz De Jong, Lars Taylor, Jack Erselius and Colton Benson, who also had a sacrifice.
Broox Stockman stole a base.
Cook’s pitching totals were seven innings worked, six hits allowed, and one of the Warhawks’ two runs was unearned. He walked two and struck out eight.
Jack Kelderman nearly matched Cook pitch for pitch. He scattered Montezuma’s hits for the most part, didn’t walk anyone, and struck out eight.
Kelderman and Lucas Nunnikoven each had two hits for North Mahaska.