The Humboldt Cubs extended their win streak to four games after sweeping their second consecutive Tri-Valley League foe, Eureka, 15-0 and 11-0.
After mercy-ruling the Eureka Tornadoes in the five-inning opener, the Cubs followed it up with another five-inning blowout in the nightcap.
Freshman starter Mason Miller pitched a no-hitter in the finale while senior Grady Elder held Eureka to just a pair of hits. Elder tallied seven strikeouts in the opener, allowing two walks and two hits before giving the mound to junior reliever Luke Cornado, who kept the Tornadoes scoreless after posting a strikeout and two walks.
The Cubs wasted no time in the batter’s box, jumping out to 8-0 in the opening frame before adding three runs in the second and third inning.
Junior shortstop Gavin Gunderman was perfect in 3 of 3 at-bats for four RBIs. Elder and Coronado followed with two RBIs apiece.
Miller took the mound in the finale.
He flirted with perfection with eight strikeouts over five innings but came up short after allowing three walks.
Of the Cubs’ 11 runs, only four were earned as they forced eight walks. Sophomore Kolton Hanson, who tied with another four teammates with one RBI apiece, was also the Cubs’ lead hitter with a pair of hits.
With the win, the 2A Cubs improved to 7-4 overall and 7-1 in the TVL. Thursday, they hope to knockoff 3A giant Burlington, who swept perennial powerhouse Iola earlier this month. First pitch for the opener is at 4:30 p.m. with a 6 p.m. first pitch tentatively scheduled for the finale.
