Small ball played a big factor in the Boothbay 36ers’ first American Legion baseball victory July 5 over the Central Maine River Kings at Colby College. Boothbay only had five hits, all singles, but it was enough for an 8-5 victory. 

The 36ers found themselves in a familiar position after one inning trailing 4-1. But a strong performance by starting pitcher Jacob Watkinson combined with timely hitting and receiving 13 walks off River King pitching resulted in the 36ers’ victory. Watkinson allowed five earned runs on 11 hits. He also struck out five and issued one walk. 

Boothbay manager Adam Harkins credited Watkinson for pitching all seven innings and baffling River King hitters from the second inning on. “He threw a lot of ‘junk’ and they put a lot of balls in play. We did a great job in the field. It was like watching how baseball ought to be played,” Harkins said. Watkinson also played a key role at-bat with three of Boothbay’s five hits. Alex Bartlett and Taygan McAllister also singled. Gryffin Kristan scored once and received walks in three of his four at-bats. 

On July 7, Boothbay won for the second time this season by splitting a doubleheader with Ware-Butler of Messalonskee. Boothbay is now 2-5. Boothbay won the first game 8-7. Relief pitcher Liam Jacobs struck out the final batter with the potential tying run at third base. Ware-Butler exploded for nine runs in game two’s fifth inning to win 15-5. 

Boothbay has five scheduled games between July 10 and 14 at Sherman Field. Monday’s doubleheader versus South China was moved to Friday due to rain. On Tuesday, Boothbay hosts a double-header versus Capitol City of Augusta, and Thursday another doubleheader against Skowhegan.