Milton 8-10 all-stars clinch spot in District 3 title game

Down 2-0 to start the bottom of the fifth inning, the Milton 8-10 all-stars coupled patience at the plate with aggressive base running to overcome Nanticoke 3-2 July 6 and secure a place in the District 3 championship.

Hudson Hartstein toed the rubber for Milton, collecting five strikeouts over five innings while walking one and surrendering two runs on as many hits. Hartstein was perfect through the first three frames before Nanticoke plated two in the top of the fourth inning to take a 2-0 lead.

Milton put a runner on in the first three innings, but each one was left stranded. It appeared Milton was going to not only respond in the bottom of the fourth, but also possibly take the lead as they loaded the bases with just one out. However, Nanticoke’s sturdy defense held tough to get the final two outs.

Nanticoke threatened to add to its lead in the fifth inning with a lead-off double, but Milton showed defensive prowess by getting out of the inning unharmed. The lockdown proved to be critical.

Ronan Lotter got the bottom of the fifth started when he roped a double into left field. After advancing to third on a passed ball, Lotter scored on a Nole Beam sacrifice to cut Nanticoke’s lead in half. Easton Goodwin kept the line moving by walking and eventually advancing to third on an Owen Croce single. Goodwin trusted his coaches and speed when he capitalized on a passed ball during Jacob Reynolds’ at-bat to tie the game 2-2. Croce reached third on the same play, but was left there after Nanticoke clamped down again to record two outs and escape with the game tied.

Jaxon Kulp took over on the mound for Hartstein in the top of the sixth after a lead-off single. With one out and runners on first and second, Kulp picked up a strikeout before Bryce Delacy calmly fielded a ground ball and stepped on third for the third out.

Taking the two runs he gave up to heart, Hartstein willed his way into scoring position after a hot shot to first base allowed him to reach. During Bryce Delacy’s at-bat that led to a walk, Hartstein advanced to third on a pair of passed balls. Wyatt Dean was intentionally walked to load the bases for Krew Johnson, who had the game-winning hit in Milton’s July 2 win over Lewes.

Johnson never got a chance to take the bat off his shoulder, though, as a passed ball on the first pitch allowed Hartstein to walk the game off as he crossed home plate. Hartstein said there was no doubt about ending the game then and there.

“The ball just went into the corner, and I knew I was going to get there,” Hartstein said.

Reaching the final undefeated, Milton only needs to beat Nanticoke, which eliminated Lower Sussex 9-4 July 7, one time to claim the District 3 title. Nanticoke will need to win twice. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, July 8, in Georgetown, after the Cape Gazette deadline.