Wellman powers Rockets

CINCINNATI — A couple of local players led the Rockets as they started their quest for a second tournament title in as many weeks.
Billy Wellman blasted a home run and Dan Bollenbacher tossed six shutout innings Thursday as the Portland Rockets opened the National Amateur Baseball Federation regional tournament with a 7-4 victory over the Springfield Angels.
Wellman set the tone for the Rockets (27-9), who won the World Baseball Congress Tournament Sunday at Portland Memorial Park’s Runkle-Miller Field, with a two-run home run in the first inning. The Jay County High School graduate finished with two hits and three RBIs.
Bollenbacher (South Adams) allowed just five hits as he silenced Springfield’s offense. He struck out seven batters.
Kirby Campbell scored a pair of runs, and Randal Muhlenkamp added two hits.
Portland advances to play at 6:30 p.m. tonight with Billy Geeslin taking the mound. The winner of the tournament advances to the NABF World Series in Buffalo, N.Y.[[In-content Ad]]