Blake Collier Pitches Toppers to 2-0 Win

[April 15, 2015]  MOUNT PULASKI - Blake Collier was "bringing it" Tuesday afternoon against the Cerro Gordo Broncos. Collier (3-1) recorded 12 strikeouts, 0 walks and only allowed two hits while leading the Toppers to their first complete game shutout of the season.

Toppers baseball coach Joel Washko was pleased with Collier's performance on the mound. "Blake was outstanding today. He had great command of his fastball and curveball. He challenged their hitters and they really had no answer for him. Blake is such a great competitor and it showed today on the mound."

The Toppers offense was a little quiet as the team only had three hits but luckily Collier did not need a lot of run support. A first inning double by Michael Lowery and an RBI single by Beau Collier got the Toppers on the board early with a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second inning Matthew Amidon earned a leadoff walk and promptly stole second base. Amidon advanced to third on a groundout by Aaron Durchholz and jogged home on a solid single by Eli Griesheim to give the Toppers a 2-0 lead.

That was all Collier needed on this day as he pitched a masterpiece and the Toppers improved to 8-6 on the season.

The Toppers travel to Midwest Central Thursday in a Tomahawk Conference matchup. Game time in Manito is 4:30 pm. Michael Lowery is scheduled to take the mound for the Toppers.

[Teena Lowery]