Tonawanda Earns First Win

There’s nothing quite like that first win of the season.

Freshman Austin Schroeder tossed a three-hit gem as Class B-2 Tonawanda scored a 5-3 upset win over Class AA Kenmore West at Veteran’s Field Thursday afternoon. Schroder, in his varsity debut, struck out seven in his 6.1 innings of work.

The Warriors went ahead to stay thanks to a four run outburst in the fifth that began with Charlie Moore’s one out single.

Tyler Buczkowski (two runs) got on followed by Josh Mouton’ s bunt single that loaded the bags.

Noah Mouton (2-for-2) delivered the big hit with a single that scored Moore and Buczkowski.

Anthony Angelo drove home Josh Mouton with what turned out to be the game winning run.

“It was a good team win. We’re kinda short staffed. We only had 10 guys today. Everybody played. Everyone contributed in some important way some time during the game,” Tonawanda coach John Frank said. “And not just a small contribution,but with a big play. Whether it was a bit or a defensive play. It really helped us out today. We knew we had a handful going into the game with Ken-West. Austin Schroeder threw real well for us. A freshman in his first varsity start. It was good for him.”

For the Blue Devils, who have looked strong in scrimmages against Wilson and Hamburg as well as a league win over Lewiston-Porter, this was a reminder of the importance of maintaining focus.

“Credit to Tonawanda,” Ken-West coach John Haynes said. “They played a great game.”

The Warriors will host Kenmore East Friday, at noon at Veteran’s Field.