Fenstermacher records no-hitter

DIXFIELD -- When Arik Fenstermacher steps up his performance, the results can be electrifying and Dirigo reaped the benefits in a baseball game at windy Harlow Park.

The senior southpaw was in complete control and tossed his first high school no-hitter with 10 strike outs as the Cougars remained unbeaten with a 10-0 triumph against Mountain Valley.

It was the second time in less than a week, and fourth straight game that Dirigo has mercy-ruled Mountain Valley. The teams play each other three times this spring because Carrabec disbanded its program.

“This is a rivalry game,” said Fenstermacher, who threw a complete game against the Falcons. “So of course you want to bring your best effort to the table. It can be an intense situation.”

Dirigo (7-0) broke things open by scoring four runs in the third inning against Falcon starter Brandon Jacques. Fenstermacher singled home Spencer Ross, but the key blow was a two-run double by Ben Holmes, plating Caleb Turner and Fenstermacher. Justin Conant singled in Holmes (two runs).

Mountain Valley (3-4) simply couldn’t get anything going. Zac Radcliff, who walked leading off the game and Cam Kaubris who reached on a fielder's choice in the fourth were the lone baserunners. Izaak Mills hit the only ball out of the infield, however, Cougar center fielder TJ Frost snared the line drive.

“Fenstermacher just overpowered us,” said Mountain Valley coach Steve LaPointe, who had lost four games in a row. “A lefty usually has some movement, but his ball explodes. We were overmatched. This was Brandon Jacques first-ever varsity start and he lacked the stamina, but I’m hoping he can pitch further the next time.”

Fenstermacker (3-0), who threw 79 pitches, had eight strikeouts over the first three innings. He fanned the side in the second and third, including Josh Rainey and Adam Volkernick on called third strikes.

“It's important to get ahead in the count,” said Fenstermacher, who had four RBI, including a two-run double to end the contest. “That gives me the best opportunity to get strikeouts. My fastball was the most effective pitch, but it helps set up my other pitches.”

Jake Dowland singled in the first run in the second and Chad Snowman (two doubles, two runs) scored on Fenstermacher's sacrifice fly in the fourth.

“The team is hitting the ball well,” said Dirigo coach Ryan Palmer. “Today, the balls were going to the opposite field, which is a good sign. It shows our soft toss and hitting off the tee in practice is paying off.”

No-hitter Photo:

Dirigo's Arik Fenstermacher fires to the plate to Mtn. Valley's Adam Volkernick. The lefty fired a no-hitter in a five-inning contest called due to the mercy rule last week. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)