Perkiomen's American Legion baseball team will rely on a deep roster to compete in the Bux-Mont League. The team will utilize whoever shows up for any given game, according to coach Dave Pierce.

Quakertown catcher Logan Niewoehner, right, tags out Ben Godshall attempting to score from second on a single by Cole Pierce during the second inning of Perkiomen's 7-1 win on June 11.

            Last week, with key players on vacation following their graduation from Upper Perkiomen High School, the Indians relied on solid pitching to win their home opener. Jack Rieg and Ben Godshall led them to a 7-1 victory over Quakertown. They allowed just six hits in the Bux-Mont League on Thursday, June 11, at Bonekemper Field.

            "Pitching is definitely our strength," said Pierce, who managed the team to victory.

            According to the coach, the players seemed relaxed on the field and in the dugout. Pierce said continuing to have fun could be the key to another postseason run.

            "The key for us is to continue playing our game," Pierce said. "The guys are having fun."
            Rieg, their starting pitcher, worked into the fifth inning. He scattered five hits and struck out five.
            Godshall recorded the final eight outs. Initially, he worked out of a fifth-inning jam. Max Drews drove in Post 242's only run on a two-out double. Godshall retired six of the seven final hitters he faced to secure the victory.

            The sting of the high school team's loss in the opening round of the PIAA Class 5A playoffs wore off after a day, according to Godshall. He claims the summer team continues to play with the same intensity instilled by Tribe head coach Bobby Saeger.

            Godshall paced Post 184 at the plate. He reached base safely in all four plate appearances, finishing 3-for-3 with three RBIs to help the team build an early 6-0 lead.

            The No. 2 hitter also scored a run and stole three bases. Godshall's two-run single highlighted a four-run rally during the second inning off Quakertown starting pitcher Lochlan Everitt at Bonekemper Field.
            Perkiomen scored twice in the first inning, using three straight hits in the bottom of the first inning to score twice. Godshall, Cole Pierce and Grayson Sabo delivered consecutive one-out hits. Nate Schramm's bases-loaded walk forced in the initial run. Rieg followed with a sacrifice fly.
            The Indians opened the bottom of the second with five straight hits. Stephen Mumford scored on an outfield error on a hit by Jordin Dice. Godshall followed with a two-run single to left. Nathan Schramm's fielder's choice grounder capped the scoring.
            They added another run in the third inning off reliever Chase Gieser. Dice worked a two-out walk, stole second and scored on Godshall's line hit to right.

            Brandon Labs registered three extra-base hits for the Blue Jays (3-7), who absorbed their third consecutive loss. He doubled twice and tripled once.
            Labs scored their only run during the fifth inning after his second double. He stole third and scored on Logan Niewoehner's sacrifice fly.

            The following night, the Indians took their initial loss of the season. They managed just five hits in a 3-0 road loss to Nor-Gwyn on Friday, June 12.
            Sabo absorbed the loss on the mound. He struck out six hitters over 5 2/3 innings. He was charged with two earned runs on six hits and one walk.
            Two Hawks pitchers combined to allow eight base runners. Jacob Nunn earned the victory.

            Cole Graf and Sabo each stole two bases for Post 184, which stranded seven runners. The team allowed runs in the first, fourth and sixth innings.

            Perkiomen will resume its schedule at 6 p.m. on Friday at home in a rematch with Nor-Gwyn.