Conant’s baseball team was looking forward to their showdown with Monadnock all season long. On Wednesday, they got just what they wanted.
The game featured a duel between two of the region’s top pitchers in Conant’s James Record and Monadnock’s River Fish. Monadnock looked to continue their winning ways early – the Huskies came into the game undefeated, with their last loss way back in last year’s title game – as they put up a run in the first inning after Tyler Coppo reached on a fielder’s choice and scored on a single.
But the lead wouldn’t last long.
Fish, uncharacteristically, walked the first two batters he saw, Kyle Dupuis and Record. After a Chance Kirby single loaded the bases, catcher Craig Bilodeau knocked in Dupuis and Record to give Conant the lead. A few batters later, Gavin Ketola knocked Bilodeau home and the Orioles were up 3-1.
Monadnock would threaten once more, in the second, when Kyle Cavalliere reached on a walk, advanced on another, and then tried to score from second on an infield error by Ketola. But he was too greedy, and Dupuis hosed him at the plate, with Captain Craig holding on for the out to end the inning.
From there, both pitchers settled in. Fish wouldn’t allow another hit in the game, while Record threw a complete game, finishing strong in the seventh by striking out Fish and J.T. Cloutier to close it out.
The Orioles would go on to win two more games last week without giving up a run.
On Thursday, Troy Aho shut out Hillsboro-Deering, as Conant won 9-0. Bilodeau, Kirby and Dupuis each had two RBI in the game.
On Friday, Corbin Sasner shut out Newport. Quinton Aho went 3-4 with four RBI in the game.
Conant (7-1) has won seven straight games. The Orioles were set to take on Hopkinton (4-4) on Monday after press time. Conant hosts Kearsarge (5-4) Friday at 4 p.m.