Evan Sigmund pitched a near-flawless game for the Oconto Falls American Legion team Friday against visiting Marinette.
Three runs in the first inning, courtesy of a bases-clearing single by Dalton Curl, made it easier for Sigmund as Oconto Falls won 7-1 in the Fox River Valley-North match-up at Memorial Field.
Sigmund allowed one run on seven hits and held Marinette (4-2, 1-1 FRV-North) scoreless through the first six innings. He struck out four.
Oconto Falls coach Chris Hillberg was not surprised by Sigmund’s performance.
“This is the second game he has thrown for us, and in the first game, he had a five-hitter against Antigo,” Hillberg said. “He has been locating the ball really well. Mentally he stays in the game; he does not get shaken up.”
Sigmund credited his performance to a steady mix of fastballs, both the two- and four-seam, and the defense behind him, which included a near shoestring snag by center fielder Hunter Magnin in the final inning.
“I felt good and I think the defense behind me really helped,” Sigmund said. “Most of my pitches were working.”
Sigmund allowed Marinette’s sole run in the seventh inning on a sacrifice fly to center field by Kevin Konyn, scoring Jonte Webb.
“They had some great defense and clutch hits,” Marinette coach Brian Lesandrini said. “They played really well. We didn’t show up tonight, and they deserved to win.”
The timely hitting began in the first inning with one out. Catcher Mike Manns and left fielder Brett Ash hit consecutive singles. Connor Sefcik drew a walk to set up Curl. Curl’s liner to left field was misplayed, allowing the ball to reach the fence as three runs scored.
“Instead of one, maybe two runs, we got three out of that,” Hillberg said.
With Sigmund cruising, Oconto Falls (4-2, 2-1 FRV-North) tacked on two runs in both the third and sixth innings.
Mann and Brabant each singled to open the third inning and eventually scored on an error. Bryce Ash and Sam Shroyer each had singles in the sixth inning, with Ash scoring on a passed ball and Shroyer scoring on Manns’ double to right-center field.
Manns was 4 for 4 with a double and two RBIs.
