EAST CORINTH– The Central Red Devils scored five runs in the third inning and rolled to a 9-4 win over Houlton in a Maine Principals’ Association Northern Maine Class C quarterfinal game played Wednesday afternoon at Central High School.
Gage Poulin cruised through the first two innings, including striking out the side in the second inning. David Tucker started the third inning with a blast over the left field fence off Poulin to give the Shires a 1-0 lead. Houlton had a chance for more in the inning but that was halted when sophomore second baseman Ivan Tibbets made an outstanding over the shoulder catch and doubled off the runner at first base.
The Red Devils exploded in their half of the third inning. They took advantage of three walks and got a two run single from Scotty Ferrie. Austin Morency capped the inning with a single that scored a run as Central took a 5-1 lead.
Houlton responded in the top of the fourth inning when Keegan Gentle led off with a solo homer deep over the left field fence. The Shires added one more during the inning thanks to doubles from Nick Brewer and Nolan Hodgkins.
Central started off the fourth inning like they did the third, the first four baserunners all reached base and came around to score. Jacob Thibodeau and James Doucette each had run scoring hits during the inning.
Poulin pitched a complete game, allowing three runs on 10 hits. He didn’t issue a walk and struck out seven. Morency led the offensive attack with three hits. Anthony Chamberlain and Poulin each reached base three times. Central (11-6) will play a semifinal game on Saturday either at Fort Kent or home against Bucksport.
Gentle had three hits to lead the Shires attack. Brewer had two doubles. Houlton finishes the season with a 7-8 record.
Box Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Hou 0, 0, 1, 2, 1, 0, 0– 4, 10, 3
Cen. 0, 0, 5, 4, 0, 0, X– 9, 11, 2
WP: Poulin LP: Bailey
2B: Houlton; Brewer (2), Hodgkins: Central: Thibodeau
HR: Houlton: Tucker, Gentle
SB: Houlton: Gentle: Central: Morency
