Top-seeded Caldwell hits stride at right time, advances to district finals

CALDWELL — A 20-win season is sweet, but punching a ticket to the district finals on the back of a nine-game winning streak is even sweeter. Top-seeded Caldwell hit both milestones in one dominant afternoon on Tuesday, May 19, riding a brilliant one-hit, nine-strikeout shutout from senior ace Makayla Mumaw and a potent offensive explosion to a 10-0 victory over the No. 3 seed River Pilots during Division VIII district semifinal action.

"We are definitely playing well at the right time of the year," Caldwell head coach Scott Davis said of his team's blistering nine-game win streak. "I think everybody has totally settled into their roles which is a huge plus for us. " With the victory, the 20-3 Caldwell squad advances to the district championship game on Thursday, May 21 at 5 p.

m. where it will battle No. 4 seed Conotton Valley at Meadowbrook High School in Byesville, with a regional berth hanging in the balance.

Strength in numbers It was a largely business-like postseason victory for the top seed, which leaned on the familiar formula that has carried them all spring. Mumaw delivered another stellar effort in the circle, keeping the Pilots off-balance while being backed by a solid defensive effort behind her to lock down the dominant complete-game effort. Caldwell's offense was equally efficient, manufacturing a timely hitting attack that produces 10 runs on seven hits.