OBSERVER Photo by Lisa Monacelli Fredonia starting pitcher Derrick Walters delivers a pitch during a regular season CCAA Division 1 West high school baseball game in Fredonia. Walters pitched 6.2 shutout innings with 13 strikeouts.

Derrick Walters and Tom Galfo were involved in a heavy pitching duel on Thursday night at Fredonia High School as they each gave up only three hits. In the end, the Fredonia Hillbillies were able to get their runs across in a 3-0 victory over the Silver Creek Black Knights in CCAA West 1 action.

Fredonia’s Walters pitched 6.2 innings, giving up no runs while also striking out 13. During that time, he surrendered three hits and two walks. Walters did not allow a runner past first base until the seventh inning. “Derrick pitched a gem,” said Fredonia coach Vince Gullo. “He was in mid-season form and had great control. His maximum level was pushed where he threw the most pitches allowed, so unfortunately, he couldn’t finish the game.”

Tom Galfo also threw an excellent game for the Black Knights. He pitched six innings for Silver Creek, giving up three runs on three hits and seven walks while striking out five. “Tom threw a great game after getting through the first inning,” said Silver Creek coach Mike Janisch. “As he got up in the count on the batters, he was able to mix things up nicely to keep Fredonia off balance.”

Fredonia scored two early runs in the game. Seth Schrader led off the first inning with a double and stole third on the next pitch. After Reid Tarnowski walked, Trey Swartz hit an RBI groundout to score Schrader. Later in the inning, Walters came through with an RBI groundout to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

Fredonia had another rally in the third inning where, just like the first inning, Schrader led off with a double followed by a free pass for Tarnowski. Despite getting the first two runner on, Galfo was able to get routine outs for the Black Knights to get them out of the inning unharmed. “We have stranded several runners this year so far,” stated Gullo. “We have not found our roles yet and need to do a better job of moving the runners over.”

There were very few threats in the middle innings for either team as both teams were held scoreless. According to Janisch, “We have struggled to hit the ball. Walters threw well and we had a difficult time adjusting.”

The Hillbillies (5-0, 6-0) added an insurance run in the sixth inning. Tyler Winchell walked to get on first before pinch hitter Owen Schrantz hit an RBI double to deep left field. “Owen came in and took advantage of the opportunity with a huge hit,” said Gullo. “I am really happy for him. He is a hard working kid. That proved to be a big RBI to give us some breathing room for us in the seventh.”

The seventh inning would be one of Silver Creek’s best offensive innings. Tom Galfo started the rally with a walk. After a strikeout, Luke Zbytek came through with a single. Chad Yochum then reached on an error with a fly ball to the outfield to load the bases with only one out. Walters then struck out the next Silver Creek batter, but had to be replaced due to his pitch count. He was replaced by Tarnowski, where he was able to strike out the only batter he faced to get the save and push Fredonia to the finish line for the victory.

“Silver Creek played great and really battled hard throughout the entire game,” added Gullo. “Reid came in during a tough situation and was very composed when pitching to get the strikeout. It was a great game and these are the types of games that are enjoyable to be part of.”

Silver Creek (2-4, 2-5) did not make an error during the game. “We have been working on our fielding and it has improved drastically this year,” said Janisch. “They have worked extremely hard. When they decide to believe in themselves, then good things will happen because they are a great group.”

Seth Schrader led the Fredonia offense with two doubles. According to Gullo, “Seth has been seeing the ball well this year. He has a solid plate approach and has been a tough out to get.” Zach Rybak led the Black Knights offense with two singles.

“This was a well played game by both teams especially for an early-season game,” said Gullo. “It was fun and this is something that you want all the players to enjoy.”

Silver Creek plays another league game today at Southwestern while Fredonia hosts St. Francis, Saturday at 4pm.