Like most contending baseball teams, Deep Run has a pair of strong pitchers. But when the Wildcats go to the bullpen, things don't get any easier for opponents.

That depth was on display last night, as Deep Run defeated Hermitage 8-1 in a Colonial District game. The Wildcats finished with 13 strikeouts.

Seven of those belonged to the starter, Marshall Halbleib. He went five innings, using his fastball to gain control early.

"He throws a lot of strikes," teammate R.C. Orlan said. "You have to hit him early, because when you get to 0-2, you're pretty much done."

Orlan is the second half of the pitching equation for the Wildcats, a lefty with a breaking ball who creates a whole new set of challenges for opponents.

They are relieved in late innings by Seth Greene, who struck out two in one inning of work.

"He's given us some solid middle relief as well as closing some games," coach Grant O'Dell said. "Really, our whole pitching staff has answered the call."

After four early losses, Deep Run has heated up in recent weeks, and hasn't lost since April 9 to Mills Godwin. The Wildcats will get a chance to avenge that Tuesday night.

The Wildcats remained hot at the expense of the Panthers, who had a four-game winning streak snapped.

Hermitage sophomore Alex McLeod had success on the mound his first time through the batting order. But in the third inning Deep Run rallied, turning a fielding error with two outs into a five-run rally.

"The first time, he pretty much owned us," Wildcats senior Brooks Martin said. "I saw him a lot, so I had a little more of a read."

Martin finished the day with three hits and two RBI. Finishing with two hits was designated hitter David Noack and right fielder Owen Beightol, who was playing his first game with the varsity.

Martin said, "Everybody's pitching great, everybody's hitting great and our defense has been amazing. I think momentum is on our side."
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@timesdispatch.com.

Hermitage ------------------------- 000 010 0 - 1 5 3
Deep Run ------------------------- 115 100 x - 8 11 0

McLeod, Baird (4) and Swartz; Halbleib, Greene (6), Orlan (7) and Snyder, Hynes (6)

Records: Deep Run 8-3 Colonial, 14-4; Hermitage 3-8, 6-13