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Cherokees, Wildcats set to square off
Updated: May 21, 2011 9:41PM
VALPARAISO — Morgan Township and Hanover Central will meet Monday to determine the Porter County Conference Tournament champion.
The Cherokees advanced with a 12-3 win over Boone Grove, while the Wildcats defeated host Washington Township 4-1 to set up the final.
In the first game Morgan was the aggressor, utilizing a “small ball” attack at the plate. Morgan players placed several key bunts that aided in grabbing the lead early and never looking back. Boone Grove (13-11) struggled defensively and could not come up with defensive stops that contributed to Morgan’s success.
The Cherokees grabbed the lead for good at 4-0 after three innings. They added a run in each of the next two innings looking to coast to victory. Boone Grove got a spark and rallied in the bottom of the fifth with three runs. But another tally for Morgan in the sixth and five more in the seventh sealed the win.
“We struggled making the defensive plays,” said Boone Grove coach Rollie Thill. “We have battled that problem all season long and bottom line is you have to be able to make those plays in order to have a chance to win, and unfortunately we have been unable to do that.”
Morgan Township (9-11) came in looking to be aggressive at the plate and find ways to produce runs, and that they were able to do, scoring in every inning except the first.
“We were able to bunt and hit when we needed to, and that obviously aided in our chance to win today,” said Morgan Township coach Jason Dorshorst.
In the second game it was another stellar pitching performance by Andy Wellwerts as he led Hanover to the victory over Washington Township.
Wellwerts was impressive in staying undefeated with his sixth win of the season. He allowed just one run on four hits, while striking out 14 batters.
“I felt good prior to the start of the game and feel very confident with the defensive play of my teammates,” Wellwerts said. “We were able to play the way we know we can and get the win.”
On the offensive side, Hanover (16-5) got hits from several players, accompanied with aggressive base-running to secure a spot in the final.
Washington (14-8) battled as they have all season and had one bright spot in the game when they executed a rare triple play to end a Hanover threat.
“We played well holding them to four runs, but couldn’t get the offense against a very good pitcher,” Washington Township coach Randy Roberts said.
Morgan Township and Hanover Central have both won two previous tourney titles and both are looking to adding their third.
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