Heading into the season, Max Bell was the only Goodrich pitcher who was a known quantity for Coach Bob Foreback’s squad.
However, in a doubleheader against Atherton April 8, the Martians may have found another quality pitcher in sophomore Basil Wilson.
The Martians swept the Wolverines in the twin bill, taking the opener 8-0 and the nightcap 11-1, heading into the Easter break with an 8-1 overall record and a 6-0 record in Genesee Area Conference Red Division play.
In addition to Bell and Wilson, freshman Dusty Bourassa excelled for the Martians, going 6-for-7 in the two games with two doubles and a home run.
‘That was his coming-out party,? Goodrich coach Bob Foreback said.
Bell held up his end of the bargain in the first game against Atherton, striking out 12 batters and allowing only one hit, as the Wolverines? offense could never get untracked.
Meanwhile, Bourassa sparked the Martians? offense, pounding out three hits and driving in four runs. Bell, Wilson, and sophomore Dom Rivera each added two hits.
Wilson matched Bell’s first-game strikeout total in the nightcap, fanning a dozen Atherton batters while allowing only two hits.
Foreback said he was pleased with Wilson’s performance in the early part of the season.
‘He’s started out strong for us,? he said. ‘If we can continue that trend, we’ll be okay.?
Bourassa tallied three hits for the Martians, while Bell notched two hits and three RBI and junior Ben Wilson two hits.
After an opening game loss to Lapeer West and standout pitcher Will Jostock, the Martians have turned it around, winning eight straight contest. Foreback said the team’s offense has been productive, which in turn has helped their pitching staff.
‘Our offense has really started kicking in,? he said. ‘The pitchers are getting a lot of run support. It’s easier to pitch when you’re in front. If we can keep that up, we’ll be in good shape.?
In addition, Foreback said the team’s defense has played well, keeping the number of errors to a minimum.
Goodrich returns to action April 19 when they host New Lothrop.