ConVal won two big games last week, beating Hanover and Goffstown on the strength of some excellent pitching and defense.
On Friday, the Cougars hosted an excellent Goffstown team, but ConVal didn’t let the Grizzlies’ record intimidate them.
“We’re not afraid of anybody who has a better record,” said senior outfielder Brandon Carland. “We just come out and play how we play — on our field especially.”
Carland hit a solo home run early in the game; in the seventh, with ConVal up 6-2, Carland made a tremendous diving catch with a runner on base for the first out of the inning.
“It was late in the game — one out changes everything!” Carland said. “It was ride or die.”
The Cougars would then turn their second double play in as may innings to finish the job.
“Double plays are huge,” said head coach Mike Marschok.”
Finn Redding made his second start of the season, pitching a complete game with two walks and no earned runs.
“He gave us a great outing the first time around and an even better one today,” Marschok said.
Isaac Blake and Will Clarke had two hits apiece.
Earlier in the week, ConVal beat Hanover 3-2. Blake had a strong game on the mound — he’s yet to allow an earned run this season — bearing down in a rainy final inning to seal the deal. Clarke had the game-winning RBI.
ConVal (5-2) hosts Lebanon (5-2) Wednesday at 4 p.m.