Game 4: SteepleCats at Mountaineers

Vermont's hitters have yet to come around but the pitching has been a strength. The Mountaineers lead the league in ERA and have allowed just three earned runs over the first 27 innings. They'll host the North Adams SteepleCats who sit at 1-2.

North Adams SteepleCats (1-2) at Vermont Mountaineers (2-1)
Time/Place: 6:30 p.m/Recreation Field
Media: Teamline, 1240 WSKI
Pitching Matchup: North Adams RHP Jonathan Mulford (Adelphi) vs. Vermont RHP Evan Bell (Indiana)
Last Games: Vermont 1-0 win against Sanford, North Adams 5-0 win against Valley
Since Indiana was knocked out of the NCAA tournament by Stanford on a walkoff home run, the Mountaineers have seen their Indiana players arrive, including talented right-hander Evan Bell (left). Bell appeared in 12 relief appearances for the Hoosiers and had a 3.32 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 21 innings.

The SteepleCats counter with Jonathan Mulford, a righthander from Adelphi. Mulford threw 71.2 innings and struck out 59 while posting a 2.89 ERA. Neither of these pitchers have made an appearance in the NECBL this year.

Hitters to fear: North Adams OF Kyle Richardson (Notre Dame), Vermont OF Chandler Brock (UAH)
Richardson (left) has enjoyed a strong start for the SteepleCats as he's picked up a hit in each of the first three games, including a multi-hit performance against Valley on opening day. Richardson, a junior from Notre Dame, also has a RBI in each of his first three games.

Brock struggled on opening night in Laconia as he went 0-3 and grounded into two double plays. He drew two walks against Valley and scored twice. He then came up clutch with the eventual game-winning RBI against Sanford with a clutch RBI single that was the deciding factor in a 1-0 pitching duel.

Outlook: Vermont's pitchers have been amazing this season but the hitters, like I said, haven't come around yet. Brock had a clutch hit and if he can play at the level he did last year, the Mountaineers hopes for a championship could be very high. Parenty has been strong at the top of the lineup, and the bullpen of Sam Spencer and Jared Gesell are excellent.