Evan Wittig says he never expected to throw a second perfect game. The Upper Perkiomen senior set the odds at zero.
The left-handed pitcher surprised himself by not allowing a base runner in an
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Evan Wittig |
outing for the second time in his high school career last week in an 11-0 victory over Norristown.
Head coach Frank Mercon described the reaction of Wittig's teammates as much more subdued than the first one. "Been there, done that," Mercon said.
Wittig's second perfect game in 14 months helped the Tribe secure a berth in the District One Class 4A playoffs, which begins Tuesday, May 23. A road game in the four-team tournament is the likeliest outcome.
"We're having a good time," said Wittig, who needed just 53 pitches to record his first perfect game against Pope John Paul II during the team's season opener on March 30, 2022. "I love the way my senior year is going."
After losing 12-2 to Owen J Roberts, on May 2, the Indians posted five-inning victories over the Eagles and a 12-0 victory over Pottstown on Friday, May 5. The players appeared relaxed and talkative following the victory at Bonekemper Field.
"Winning is fun," Mercon said.
The coach said he didn't feel very good about his team's chances against Norristown on Wednesday, May 3, even though it only has one win. According to Mercon, the visiting Eagles had played many of the PAC's top teams tough.
A three-run rally against them in the first inning settled the Tribe down, according to the coach. Meanwhile, Wittig – who realized the circumstances when he took the mound to warm up for the fourth inning – dominated on the mound. He needed 55 pitches to complete five flawless innings, notching five strikeouts.
"Evan pounded the zone," Mercon said. "He threw three pitches consistently for strikes. He's difficult to barrel up."
Owen Williams finished with two hits and three RBIs for the Indians, who scored all their runs in the initial three innings. Evan Sands and Drew Graf each drove in two runs. Sands and Braden Rieg also scored twice.
Isaac Bugman scored three runs. Brody Weiss finished with two hits for the Tribe, which took advantage of five Norristown errors to score three runs each in the first and second innings.
Two days later, the offense carried the team to a five-inning win under the lights over the visiting Trojans. Devlin Kranich finished with two hits, scored two runs and drove in two.
Owen Williams and Peyton Borchelt each drove in two runs for the Indians, who rallied for seven runs in the third inning. They made the most of six hits and seven walks.
Kyle Mazzie started on the mound and worked two innings. Braden Rieg, Jack Schramm and Williams each worked one inning. The quartet combined to allow just one hit.
On Monday, the Indians lost their bid for a home game in the district playoffs with a 3-1 loss to Pope John Paul II. AJ Didazzio went the distance on the mound, limiting them to just three hits.
Kranich finished with two hits and drove in their only run in the first inning. His single plated Sands, who led off the game with a hit.
Rieg took the loss on the mound for the visiting Tribe, which is scheduled to complete its regular season Wednesday against Methacton. He allowed three runs (two earned) in three innings of work. Schramm followed Rieg with three shutout frames.