Athletes of the Week July 29
Nick Cox
A Mariner Middle School student, Nick has been money from the plate in the Milton 11-12 All-Stars’ state championship run, slamming seven singles and three doubles, knocking in seven RBIs and scoring 10 runs with a .370 batting average. He has also done a great job on the mound, pitching a shutout against Middletown-Odessa-Townsend in the rain-delayed 9-0 victory July 25. He also pitched a one-hitter in the District 3 championship win over Laurel. "Nick's a great kid," said Milton manager Rusty Rauch. "He is a great pitcher and can really hit the ball." Nick plays travel ball for Rauch on the Bagel Bombers travel squad. When not playing baseball, you can find him surfing or fishing with his dad.
Hunter Rauch
The lead-off batter for the Milton 11-12 All-Stars, this rising Mariner Middle School eighth-grader made a Sportscenter double play from his shortstop position in the bottom of the fifth inning of the state championship game against Brandywine to end a bases-loaded rally. Hunter batted .345 with six singles, three doubles and a home run in the championship series. He has also walked nine times and scored 15 runs. "Hunter has been great at lead-off for us," said manager Rusty Rauch. "He gets on base a lot and gives the team a spark when we need it." A Bagel Bombers veteran, Hunter is an avid fisherman when not playing the sport he loves.
Austin Rhue
A rising seventh-grader at Beacon Middle School, this second baseman on the Milton 11-12 All-Stars has been a Chase Utley for the Milton squad, making one great play after another in the championship postseason. "Austin makes a lot of great plays for us," said manager Rusty Rauch. "He's a great defensive second baseman, and he hits the ball well." Austin hit six singles and three doubles with an average of .321 during the state tournament, knocking in five runs and scoring seven himself. He went 3-for-4 during the semifinal and 2-for-4 against Brandywine in the final. A member of the Bagel Bombers travel team, Austin fishes in his time away from the diamond.
Brian Sponaugle
A rising seventh-grader at Mariner Middle School, this Milton 11-12 All-Star has been behind the plate for every Milton appearance in the District 3 and state championship tournaments. He even called the pitches in two games during the state tournament. "Brian has hit the ball well in the states," said manager Rusty Rauch. "And he's a stud behind the plate." Brian has garnered 12 singles in the tournament with six RBIs and a .462 batting average. His on-base percentage is .611, he has been hit by three pitches from opposing pitchers and has walked seven times. A member of the Bagel Bombers, Brian likes fishing with his teammates in his spare time.
