.jpeg "Bottger Dominates on the Mound as Wolfpack Silences Spartans, 4–1")
Bottger Dominates on the Mound as Wolfpack Silences Spartans, 4–1
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | April 15, 2025 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
Wilkes-Barre Area’s senior ace, James Bottger, delivered a commanding performance on the hill Tuesday evening, leading the Wolfpack to a 4–1 win over Wyoming Valley West in a pivotal district showdown.
Bottger was electric from the start, striking out 16 Spartans in 6.2 innings while allowing just one hit and no earned runs. Junior Alex Hufford closed the door, getting the final out in relief with a strikeout to seal the win.
Valley West opened the scoring with a run in the bottom of the first, but Wilkes-Barre responded with a steady attack over the next few frames. Dalton Flowers got the offense rolling with a run in the third, and a two-run fourth inning—highlighted by a sac fly from Koleton Davies—pushed the Wolfpack ahead for good.
Jake Howe stayed hot at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Hufford, Jerez, Flowers, and Daugherty each added a hit in the team’s six-hit effort. Hufford also drove in a run, helping his cause both on the mound and at the plate.
The Spartans struggled to find offensive rhythm against Bottger’s overpowering stuff. Tyler Ruddy was the lone bright spot with Valley West’s only hit and run scored.
On the mound for Valley West, Gunner Giza pitched 4 innings, surrendering 4 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits while striking out 3. Ray Chimock came on in relief, tossing 3 scoreless innings with 5 strikeouts.
With the win, Wilkes-Barre Area improves to 8–4 and continues to show its potential behind a deep pitching staff led by Bottger and Nathan Fritz. The Spartans drop to 6–5 but remain a threat in the league with quality outings from their rotation and a balanced offense.
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