LEON — Following a disappointing pair of losses two days earlier at Burlington, and with a tough slate of games approaching this week, Humboldt High’s Cubs were in need of a pick-me-up Saturday.
That came in a big way, as Humboldt secured wins of 21-1 and 21-0 over host Bluestem in a makeup doubleheader.
“We bounced back really well after two tough games with Burlington,” Humboldt head coach Mike Miller said. “Our hitters were much more patient at the plate and that led to some big innings.”
That’s an understatement.
Humboldt scored at least four runs in every inning of the doubleheader, rapping out 13 hits and walking 14 times in the opener. Game 2 featured 12 more hits and 10 walks.
Logan Page was in control on the mound in the opener, allowing two hits over three innings, with four strikeouts.
He aided his own cause at the plate with a single and double. Brody Gunderman also had a single and double. Blake Ellis notched a triple for Humboldt. Gavin Gunderman and Sam Hull added doubles. Carson Russell and Kyler Isbell had singles.
Isbell got the nod to start Game 2. He shut down the Lions with five strikeouts, allowing six hits over three innings. Mason Sterling keyed the offense with a triple, a double and a single. Jacob Harrington tripled and singled. Page added a double. Brody Gunderman and Hull added two singles apiece. Hull drove on five runs in the game, nine for the day. Russell, Ellis and Asher Hart all had singles. Hull also pitched a perfect inning of relief, striking out two.
“Hopefully that momentum will carry over against some tough teams this week,” Miller said.
The Cubs hosted Caney Valley Tuesday, but those games were not complete by press time.
Humboldt will host its annual tournament Friday, with a 10 a.m. first pitch against Neodesha, followed by a game against either Anderson County or Central Heights.
