Huard, Schaefer Win Pitcher’s Duel in Western’s 3-2 Win

Jimmy Huard and Ryan Schaefer combined on a two-hitter while Geovani Escandon doubled and scored what proved to be the winning run as the Western Wildcats upset visiting HSBN Broward #9 McArthur, 3-2, on Tuesday.

Huard worked the first four innings for the Wildcats, now 11-7 on the season and 7-1 at home. The sophomore right-hander allowed just one run on one hit and struck out four in picking up the win.

Schaefer finished up with three innings of one-hit relief, striking out three, to earn the save and help the Wildcats extend their win streak to three games.

Escandon delivered a one-out double in the fifth inning and scored on a Tyler Jenkins single to extend the Wildcats’ lead to 3-1. Escandon got the Wildcats on the scoreboard early with a first-inning run, answering McArthur’s opening-inning tally, to tie the game, 1-1. The senior infielder drew a one-out walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then stole third and raced home on an error.

The Wildcats broke the tie and took the lead for good with a run in the second inning. Bryce Huffman singled, moved to second when Danny Ortega was hit by a pitch, and was bunted to third by Miguel Tapia before scoring on a wild pitch.

McArthur jumped in front in the top of the first. The Mustangs, now 11-4 for the season, led 1-0 after Raymond Gonzalez walked and stole a base before scoring the Mustangs’ initial run. Gonzalez and Argenis Gil collected a hit apiece for the Mustangs, who saw their win streak snapped at four games.

A sixth-inning rally fell just short for McArthur. Garvey Person walked and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Gonzalez. Person went to third on an error and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Tyler Smith to make it a one-run game.

The Mustangs also got outstanding pitching performances from both starter Devin Grazzal and reliever Troy Smith. Grazzsal worked the first four innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six. Smith threw two innings of two-hit ball. He struck out one and did not walk a batter.

McArthur looks to get back to its winning ways when it hosts the Ft. Lauderdale Flying L’s at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Winners in five of the last six games, Western will host Cardinal Gibbons at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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