Submitted photo – The Huskies hosted a postgame barbecue for both teams after Saturday’s game.

The Huskies continued to take advantage of some dominating pitching and strong defense on Saturday, improving to 3-0 on the young season with a 3-0 win over visiting Middletown.

Libby Johnston, who also pitched a shutout against South Fork earlier this week, allowed just two hits and one walk in the circle, while striking out 12 for the shutout victory.

“This was another dominant win in the circle for Libby,” head coach Eric Helms said. “And our defense backed her up.”

Freshman Myra Hayes made a good running catch for the first out of the game after the Middletown lead-off hitter crushed the first pitch she saw to right field.

And that would set the tone for the game, with Johnston quickly taking control and striking out seven of the next eight Middletown batters.

Kylee Fennell and Kelsi Hall each also had strong defensive performances.

“Our corner infielders, Kylee Fennell and Kelsi Hall, played errorless ball, and all three outfielders made catches at critical junctures of the game that really helped Libby’s effort,” the head coach added. 

All but two of the Huskies’ outs came either on strikeouts or “outstanding defensive plays,” according to Helms.

Submitted photo – The Fortuna and Middletown players enjoyed a barbecue together after the game.

All three of the Fortuna runs came in the first inning, with Middletown’s Emma Hansen also turning in a strong pitching performance.

After the game, the Fortuna parents hosted a barbecue for the Middletown team and parents, with both teams eating together.

The Mustangs played three games in Humboldt this weekend, playing at Arcata on Friday and also playing St. Bernard’s on Saturday afternoon.