Bensalem earned an impressive win in SOL baseball action on Monday.
SOL Patriot Division
BENSALEM 2, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0
The Owls and Indians – both undefeated in the young season – were the lone SOL baseballs team in action Monday, and it was the Owls turning in quite a performance with Ryan McLaughlin and Matt McShane combining to toss a no-hitter.
McLaughlin – who was all but untouchable – reached the 100-pitch mark and was lifted with two outs in the sixth after issuing back-to-back walks. He fanned 12 and walked three in a brilliant outing.
The Indians’ lone base runner in the first five innings came with one out in the second when Shane Anhalt drew a walk. With two outs, he advanced to second on a wild pitch but was stranded there.
McShane entered the game with two outs and two on in the sixth and retired the first batter he faced on a popup to third. He threw a one-two-three seventh to earn the save. He struck out one. The Owls were flawless in the field behind their two pitchers.
“They both were awesome,” coach Harry Daut said of McLaughlin and McShane. “They were throwing strikes, and they were really on their game.
“We played really good defense – we did everything right today.”
The Owls scored the only run they would need in the bottom of the third. Jalen Soborel drew a leadoff walk, and one out later McShane singled to left. A walk to Greg Phalen loaded the bases, and Soborel scored on a groundout by Nick Nush.
In the fifth, Sean Nelson, who singled, scored on a two-out double to right field by Greg Phalen. That 2-0 score stood the rest of the way.
The Owls managed just four hits off a pair of Rock North hurlers. Alex Estrada allowed four hits and two runs in five innings, striking out five and walking three. Pat Dougherty struck out one in a scoreless inning of relief.
“We still have a long way to go to get better, but we got off to a good start,” said Daut, crediting Ryan Rooney for his leadership in the Owls’ strong start. “They’re playing pretty well and have been competitive in every game.”
Bensalem (4-0, 3-0 SOL) will host Council Rock South on Wednesday, and Council Rock North (4-1, 2-1) will be on the road at Neshaminy on Wednesday.
Council Rock North 000 000 0 0-0-2
Bensalem 001 010 x 2-4-0
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