Joe Huthsing did it all for the Dos Pueblos baseball team in its Channel League opener at Ventura on Tuesday.
Huthsing belted a three-run homer in the first inning and then pitched a one-hit, 3-0 shutout.
“He’s just a competitor,” DP coach Nate Mendoza said. “He mixes competitiveness with composure, and that’s a good mixture on the mound.”
It was the fifth straight win for the Chargers (5-2).
Huthsing didn’t allow a walk and the one hit he allowed was a close play at first baseafter shortstop Steven Reveles ran down a ball hit up the middle.
“Joe was our No. 1 pitcher as a sophomore last year. He pitched in really big games as a sophomore and that’s carried over this year,” said Mendoza.
The coach also lauded the play of catcher Kyle Richardson, who has been playing well coming off an injury-plagued season.
“He’s been so key to our pitching game and the defense,” said Mendoza.
Besides Huthsing’s three-run blast, Jordan Drewisch went 2-for-2 with a double and Reveles went 2-for-4.
Dos Pueblos plays host to Santa Barbara on Friday.
Dos Puebos…300 000 0 — 3 6 2
Ventura…000 000 0 — 0 1 0
Huthsing and Richardson; Nothwang, Davidson (4) and Morton. W—Huthsing 2-0. L—Northwang.
2B: DP Drewisch. HR Huthsing, 1st inn. two on.
