By Lynn Schofer
Sussex Tech sophomore left hand pitcher Lucas Joseph threw a shut out six innings in last week’s game against Cape Henlopen. The Ravens compiled six hits, led by Braxton Hazzard with two hits and an RBI while Colton Crockett had two hits in the 2-0 win over Cape Henlopen.
Sussex Tech scored early in the bottom of the first inning with two outs on a single by Braxton Hazzard that scored Braydon Hazzard. The Ravens’ Colton Crockett infield ground ball was bobbled for an error. Crockett was later stranded on base when Logan Micinowski hit into a ground out.
Joseph continued to dominate from the mound mixing up his pitches and location that kept Cape Henlopen off balance in the box. Catcher Braxton Hazzard threw out Cape’s Nich Clampitt on an attempted steal to second base after he drew the walk at bat. Hazzard also threw out a Cape runner later in the game.
The Ravens put the second run on the board in the bottom of the third inning opening with a walk to Alex Condos who was then thrown out by Cape Henlopen catcher Aaden Johnson when he attempted to steal. Joseph helped his own cause when he put the ball over the center field fence for a home run and two run lead.
The Ravens’ defense was text book on their fielding and ground coverage, backing up Joseph on the mound. In the top of the fourth, Cape Henlopen threatened when Joseph walked two batters but Micinowski finished off the inning on a ground ball out.
Cape threatened in the sixth inning when Aaden Johnson doubled to left field and Joseph walked Dominic Mangini. Crockett played the ground ball to shortstop for the second out but Joseph loaded the bases with a walk. Joseph attacked the plate and Max Seiders’ fly ball to right field was gloved by Condos for the third out.
Crockett finished the game for Joseph with a strikeout for the win. The Ravens improved to 3-3 on the season with the win.