Vietze puts the 'W' back in Owls

The HPHS varsity baseball team came out to make a statement in the season opener Saturday at H.P.'s Austin E. Lepine Field.

Junior hurler Ben Vietze tossed a two-hitter with 10 strikeouts as the Owls exploded for nine runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to post a 9-0 victory over Bound Brook. Junior first baseman Jason Potts went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored in the ambush.

Vietze, a transfer from St. Joseph's High School in Metuchen, and Bound Brook pitcher Desmond Drumright were locked in a scoreless pitchers' duel for the first five innings. The Crusaders had their chances to score, but stranded seven over the first six innings.

"It was a complete team effort," said Blevins, citing hits by four Owls and smart base-running in the sixth-inning deluge. "Being consistent is important because when you have an opportunity, you give yourself a chance to win."

It was a day in which Vietze was in complete control, retiring eight consecutive Bound Brook hitters at one stretch. He struck out the side in the fourth inning.

"We wanted to watch Ben's arm and keep his pitch count around 85 pitches," said Blevins. "Ben felt happy with his performance. We don't want to overpitch him with the cold weather," the coach added.

Junior Patrick Ambrosio (3B) went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Sophomore Will Callahan (2B) went 1-for-3 with a run scored. Sophomore center fielder James Webb batted 0-for-2 but walked, stole a base, scored a run, and drove in a run. "James is an emotional player for us but he gives our team a spark," said Blevins.

Vietze also went 1-for-2 at the plate, walked, and stole a base.

The Owls received great play defensively on the left side of the infield from Ambrosio and junior shortstop Nick Baay, as well as Webb and Powell in the outfield.

The Owls drew eight walks on the afternoon. The first-year coach has been impressed with the team's work ethic, and their composure both in practice and in their first test of the season.

"I wasn't sure what to expect but the players listen intently, have a great work ethic and pick things up quickly," Blevins said. "You can't put a price on preparation. The extra work our players have put in has been a big asset."

If the team plays as well as they did against Bound Brook, the future under new coach Mark Blevins will look very bright indeed.