"It was a lot of fun," Catoctin coach Mike Franklin said. "We had five sophomores out there today. It's a nice, young and energetic team. Every player on our team is new except for our two seniors, Kevin Favorite and Brad Nesbitt. This is the most coachable group that I have ever been with throughout my entire career. These kids love to play baseball."
Junior pitcher Chris Kaleo allowed just one walk as he struck out seven batters in seven innings to get the complete-game victory for the Cougars.
"I just wanted to try to throw strikes," Kaleo said. "I was satisfied with my performance. With the help of my coach calling my pitches, I felt very comfortable. I worked non-stop all through the off-season. That has really helped me out a lot to get ready for the spring. I want to thank my defense for giving me pretty good support out there."
Kaleo helped himself out by slugging a three-run homer in the top of the first inning to help the Cougars leap out to a 4-0 lead.
"That home run that I hit was a first-pitch fastball," Kaleo said. "I was able to get hold of it."
Chad Wolfe had two hits and two RBI, while Eric Schneider and Favorite added two hits each for the Cougars.
Tommy Jesson got two hits and two RBI, while Aaron Showe also added two hits for the Rebels. Both players belted solo homers.
"Chris Kaleo was in command with his cutter," South Hagerstown coach Greg Eversole said. "Anytime that you can consistently throw a breaking ball for strikes in high school baseball, then you're going to be effective."
