BRANDON — A school could get used to this: Otter Valley Union High School pitcher Brett Patterson threw a one-hitter in the No. 2 Otters’ 6-0 win over visiting No. 7 Lake Region in a Division II quarterfinals on Thursday.
A model of efficiency, Patterson threw just 67 pitches, struck out nine and walked none in just an hour and 20 minutes to send Lake Region packing. And the senior hurler and co-ace Justin Owen have been consistently on their pitching all season, helping the Otters to a 17-1 record.
Patterson was good at the plate as well on Thursday, as were several of teammates. OV had six hits, including a long double by Patterson, who drove in two runs. Ryan Kelley also had two hits, and brothers Jim and John Winslow each had an RBI.
The Otters took a 3-0 lead into the fourth inning before Lake Region’s Kolby George spoiled Patterson’s potential no-hitter with a looped single to left. But the Rangers failed to capitalize. A bunt sent George to second, but OV third baseman John Winslow scooped up a grounder for the second out of the inning, and Patterson then threw yet another strikeout to end the inning.
John and Jim Winslow’s defensive skills were on display again in the fifth, when John made a terrific stop of a shot down the third base line and a quick throw to first for the out. Shortstop Jim Winslow then made a long sprint to the left field foul line to grab a pop-up for another out.
Next up for the Otters is No. 3 Lamoille (16-1), which defeated No. 6 Lyndon, 10-6, on Friday. OV is scheduled to host the Lancers at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The winner will head to Centennial Field for the D-II final on either Friday or Saturday.