Strong pitching from some of the team’s more experienced players, coupled with some consistent hitting from throughout the lineup, lifted the Wild Cactus to their first win of the summer season on Tuesday evening.

The 17U Cactus played traveled to Southern Humboldt to play the 76ers and came away with a 14-1 victory.

Pitchers Luke Brunton and Garrett Shanahan of St. Bernard’s helped set the tone on the mound, and they got plenty of offensive support from players like Quentin Ikeya and Casey Moore.

But it was the play of some of the team’s younger players, including 13-year-old Colton McCullough and 11-year-old Trae Florvilus, that really impressed head coach Matt Tomlin.

“I was very impressed with the play of two of our younger kids who played up on the 17U,” Tomlin said. “I love seeing young kids step up and challenge themselves against great competition.”

Klamath Trinity’s McCullough had one of the hot bats on the day and finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, while Fortuna’s Florvilus rose to the challenge playing against varsity players and had a hard hit ball to the outfield while also playing some good defense.

Fresh off a big spring on the high school fields, Brunton pitched four strong innings for the win on the mound, giving up just one run on two hits and striking out two.

Shanahan closed out the game and was equally effective.

The St. Bernard’s standout gave up two hits in three scoreless innings and struck out three.

Ikeya also had a good game, as he carried his impressive form in the spring over to the summer season, and led the way at the plate.

Ikeya finished 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs and scored three runs.

Shanahan also had an impact at the plate and was 2-for-3 with a home run and a double.

He also drove in three runs and scored two, while Moore finished 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs and scored twice.

“This was a great first win of the summer for Wild Cactus,” Tomlin said. “Brunton and Shanahan both pitched outstanding. We got strong hitting throughout the lineup.”

Ikeya also played some strong defense at shortstop.

Next up, the Wild Cactus 17U will play at the Northern Humboldt Giants tournament, which gets under way one June 20.

The Wild Cactus are also fielding a 15U team this summer.