HUMBOLDT — Humboldt softball coach Brad Piley wishes he could keep All-State pitcher Courtney Richey on his roster long past this season, but when he does lose the senior next season, it won’t be like the Cubs will lack for an ace.
Sophomore Rylan Wilhite has been the Cubs’ game two starter all season and has shined in that role.
Piley gave Wilhite the opportunity to start the opening game against Uniontown on Thursday at the Humboldt Sports Complex and the future of the Cub rotation did not disappoint.
“Rylan pitched well,” Piley said.
Wilhite threw a perfect game in the five innings that were required to beat the Eagles. She struck out five batters as Humboldt cruised to the 11-0 win.
“She kept Uniontown off balance at the plate,” Piley said. “She throws her fastball a lot but she locates it well. Change-up is something she’s been working on and she has a little rise-ball action.”
Wilhite also led the team with three RBIs.
Morgan Mauk, Hannah Hulett and MaKaylah McCall each had two hits in the winning effort.
Mauk also added three stolen bases as the team was able to rip off five bags total.
GAME TWO
Richey advanced her record to 10-0 in Humboldt’s 10-0 six-inning win over Uniontown.
Richey threw a complete game and struck out nine batters with no walks. She only allowed four hits.
Richey was staked to an 8-0 lead after the second inning when she and McCall hit back-to-back home runs for the home team.
McCall finished the game with a team-high three RBIs while Richey added a pair.
Wilhite led the Cubs with three hits, including two doubles.
Piley was really pleased with the way his team fielded the ball considering they hadn’t played in the past 13 days due to rain-outs.
“We hadn’t played in a week or so and I thought we’d be a little rusty, but our defense was really, really good both games,” Piley said. “Our outfielders read some fly balls perfectly.”
