ELY— The Timberwolves looked convincing in a three-game weekend home stand, allowing just five combined runs to improve to 6-1 and extend their winning streak to five games.
Hosting Cook County on Saturday, junior pitcher Jack Davies dominated on the mound, allowing just five hits while striking out nine enroute to a 9-2 win over the Vikings.
Ben Leeson paced the Wolves’ offense with three hits and three runs scored, while Caid Chittum remained red-hot, delivering two doubles and four RBIs. Drew Johnson continued his stellar play, scoring three runs, stealing three bases, and adding a hit.
“A good week for us despite not having much practice time,” said Ely Head Coach Frank Ivancich. “We’ve played more games than we’ve had outside practices so far this spring,” he added.
Playing at home on Friday, the Wolves dominated North Woods in a 9-2 win (see full story and photos above).
Hosting Deer River on Thursday, junior pitcher Hunter Halbakken continued his dominant stretch, earning his third straight victory as he scattered three hits and struck out eight to lead the Ely to a 5-1 win over the Warriors. Offensively, Drew Johnson led the way with three hits and two runs scored, while Chittum added two hits, including a double and an RBI. Sean Merriman chipped in two hits of his own as the Wolves racked up ten hits overall in the win. Deer River’s Preston Reed was tagged with the loss.
Ivancich lauded his team’s consistently strong pitching. “Hunter Halbakken continues to be very dominant, and sophomore Owen Marolt had an impressive week, picking up two wins while striking out 15 and giving up only five hits in his two starts. Jack Davies was very good in his first start as well.”
Offensively, Ely has seen key contributions from Chittum and Johnson.
“Caid Chittum, with eight hits and four doubles in his last five games, and Drew Johnson, with nine runs scored and seven hits in his last five games, have led the way for us,” said Ivancich. Chittum has been especially impressive, amassing 10 hits in total and 11 RBIs in his last five games.
“However, three consecutive game days definitely took a toll — we committed seven errors in our last two games after making only three errors in our first five.”
As the Timberwolves continue their busy schedule, the focus will be on staying sharp physically and mentally to keep the momentum rolling.
The Wolves’ planned Monday contest with South Ridge was postponed due to rain. They were set to take on Rock Ridge on Wednesday as the Timberjay went to press. They’ll be back in action at Mt. Iron on Thursday.