Pitching Propels Estero Over Lehigh Senior

Nick Cairo had three hits and scored three times for the Wildcats.

The Estero Wildcats scored early and kept it going throughout Friday night’s district matchup against the Lehigh Senior Lightning.  The Lightning’s offense could not get much going against the Wildcats starter Nate Gillen, while a big second inning helped the Wildcats earn a 10-0 victory.

Estero improves to 3-0 in 7A-12, keeping pace in a tight race while currently in a three-way tie with Gulf Coast and Naples for the district lead. The Lightning fall to 5-6 overall, and are currently in fifth place in the district with a 1-2 record.

“We had a good pitching performance, but it could have been better, we expect better” said Wildcats’ manager Gary White. “and scoring early doesn’t hurt, the bats really came alive tonight.”

Some early control issues for Estero starter Nate Gillen put two runners on in the first, but two strikeouts helped him get out of the inning unharmed. Offense was contagious in the second as the Wildcats (5-3) batted around the order and scored six runs. First baseman Tanner Sherman led off with a walk and was bunted over to second by Joey Mugavero. He then scored on a single by Brian Lawhon.

Right fielder Nick Cairo then made solid contact on a ball that was misplayed in left field, causing a collision and allowing Cairo to score an inside-the-park home run. Two singles and a walk allowed another run to score and left two runners on for designated hitter Kevin Long, who tripled and brought them both in. The inning ended on the next at-bat leaving the Wildcats up six.

“I just wanted to go backside all day, and it was really working for me tonight,” said Long.

Lehigh’s Rico Peele sets up for a play at first base.

Starter Nate Gillen found his control in the second as he struck out the side. He kept it going as he pitched the next four innings, only allowing one hit while striking out seven and walking five.

“I’m just getting intro the groove of things again,” said Gillen. “I’m working on my mechanics and getting strikes. After the first inning I was able to focus and it helped my intensity in the game.”

The Wildcats kept adding to their lead in the third, scoring two runs after three consecutive singles. They scored again in the fourth after two walks and a single by Long, and again in the fifth after a single by Mitchell Josie brought in Zach Mckee, ending the game.

“We have to start swinging the bats better,” said Lightning manager Jerome Dunning. “We faced a good pitcher tonight, but we need to keep improving and taking small steps to get our bats going.”

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