BASEBALL

The 2nd-seeded Forester baseball team checked the first box Thursday afternoon, opening the Crossroads League Tournament with a 4-2 win over 5th-seeded Saint Francis at Spring Arbor’s Hank Burbridge Field. It marked Huntington’s first game of the tournament, while the Cougars dropped into the consolation bracket after playing their second contest of the day.

Despite Saint Francis taking three of four during the regular season, the Foresters delivered when it counted most.

Huntington’s offense leaned heavily on discipline and composure early, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 advantage by simply refusing to chase. The Foresters drew bases-loaded walks in three of the first four frames, with Owen Imel, Braden Kauffman and Zach Pelletier each earning an RBI the hard way. HU finished the day with 10 walks compared to just five hits, consistently applying pressure and forcing the Cougars into tough spots.

Saint Francis trimmed the lead to 3-2 in the fifth, but that’s when Owen Willard stepped in and did what he’s done all season.

The PFW transfer launched a solo shot over the right field fence in the sixth, not only providing a key insurance run but also setting a new Forester program record for home runs in a single season with 18. Willard paced HU at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, an RBI and a pair of walks.

Cam Clarkson added a hit and a run, while Jace Fowler and Braden Kauffman each chipped in a hit. Kauffman also drove in a run and drew a walk, and Pelletier reached base twice via walks to go along with his RBI.

On the mound, Huntington pieced together a strong collective effort. RJ Anglin got the start, allowing two runs on four hits over 4.2 innings while striking out three. Carter Wilkinson picked up the win in relief, tossing two hitless, scoreless innings with a strikeout. Aidan Micinski bridged the gap before senior Dylan Eggl slammed the door, retiring the side in order in the ninth to collect his ninth save of the season — matching the program record set by Brian Kirschbaum in 2012.

The Foresters also flashed the leather, turning a key double play to help limit damage.

Now 38-10 on the season, Huntington advances to take on the winner of Marian and Indiana Wesleyan Friday at 6:00 p.m. as their pursuit of a Crossroads League Tournament title rolls on.