Freeway League : Wilson Has Enough to Pace Troy

A new adversity reared its ugly head early in Troy High School pitcher Tom Wilson’s fourth start of the season. But this time it didn’t come from the opposition.

The problem was Wilson; he just didn’t have his best stuff.

With his changeup and curve AWOL, Wilson countered with perseverance and a overpowering fastball for a less-than-overwhelming two-hitter in a 4-2 victory over La Habra.

“I really didn’t have much at all, Wilson said. “I had to stick with the fastball because I couldn’t get much else over.

“I haven’t had this much trouble in the other three games,” said Wilson, now 4-0.

Two walks led to a first-inning run for La Habra. Wilson had control problems again in the third, and a walk eventually led to another run.

“I think for Wilson not having his best stuff, it showed a lot of heart and character,” Troy Coach Dan Robinson said. The victory keeps the Warriors (8-2 overall) tied with Sunny Hills in league play at 3-0.

Wilson, who has orally committed to attend Cal State Fullerton next season, was not without support.

Senior Tho Nhuyen and junior Matt Carter each hit two-run home runs. The home runs came three batters apart in the first inning, and were the first home runs hit in four home games by Troy.

Wilson also got some help on defense, such as junior center fielder Doug Mertz’s running catch at the fence in the seventh.

His relay throw to first caught pinch-runner Mario Munoz to end the game, after Munoz had taken a large lead and couldn’t scramble back in time.

“That was a game saver,” Robinson said. “I thought it (the ball) might have been in.”

In other Freeway League games:

Fullerton 8, Sonora 3 (8 innings)--The Indians scored five runs in the top of the eighth for the victory. Mark DeGuiseppe and Chris Rubal hit two-run homers in the eighth for Fullerton (6-6, 2-1). Lee Green was three for four, including a triple, and three runs scored for Fullerton. Frank Rodriguez had two hits and an RBI for Sonora (4-8, 0-3).

Sunny Hills 3, Buena Park 2--Scott Adams scored on an error with two outs in the seventh to give Sunny Hills (9-5, 3-0) the victory. Buena Park is 0-3 in league play.