Local Sports Journal

Montague captured the West Michigan Conference championship on Tuesday by downing Shelby 4-2 in Game 1 and 6-3 in the nightcap.

Wildcat pitcher Tristen Schultz was too much for Shelby in the opener. Schultz struck out 11 and gave up four hits, one earned run and one walk for the complete-game win.

Montague overcame a slow start as Shelby took an early second-inning lead after Spencer Peters scored on a ground out. Jake Baffi put the Tigers up 2-1 in the fifth scoring on a wild pitch.

Chase Casebolt responded in the fifth for Montague with an RBI single. The Wildcats added another run on an error to take a 3-2 lead.

Zach Gaule led Montague with two singles.

Peters finished with two hits for Shelby.

Jacob Marsh led a pair of rallies for Montague in Game 2. Marsh hit a two-run homer in the third inning and had an RBI double in the first inning. The Wildcats scored three runs in each inning.

Casebolt had a single, double and two RBI.

Jacob Buchberger posted the win by scattering nine hits over 5 1/3 innings. Chayce Lohman came on to earn the save.