Wilton Edges Stamford, 2-1, In Legion Play

Wilton Post 86 overcame the scorching conditions to edge Stamford, 2-1, Saturday morning in American Legion Zone Four action at Wilton High School.

With spectators lounging in foul territory,Wilton's defense played an active role in supporting the stellar pitching performances by Jon Como and Austin Gambee.

Como retired the first 13 batters he faced before allowing a single in the fifth inning that broke up his bid for a perfect game.

"[He was] excellent today," Wilton head coach Ian Thoesen said. "I am very proud of him today. His last two starts have been great."

After Wilton (7-5) scored twice in the fourth inning, it looked as if Como could go the distance, but he gave up a run in the fifth and was pulled with one out in the sixth.

Thoesen handed the ball to Gambee in the sixth inning to close the door on any Stamford comeback hopes. 

"Austin came in and closed it out, and did what we needed him to do," Thoesen said.

After an intentional walk put runners on first and second with one out, Gambee made a diving stab on a comebacker to start an innng-ending double play, nixing Stamford's best chance to get back into the game.

"In this league, it is pitching and defense, " Thosen said. "I knew our hitting would come around, which it did today."

Wilton's excellent pitching and defense overshadowed an equally impressive performance by Stamford's Chris Neuschler.

After giving up an early single, Neuschler mowed through Wilton's order before two sacrifice flies plated the only runs the imposing starter allowed. 

"This is why you play baseball," Thoesen told to his players, "So we can compete with good teams like this. We played as a team today, everyone did their job and that's what we have to keep doing."

Neuschler and Como each finished with two strikeouts. Gambee, who grinned after nearly every delivery, struck out the final batter of the game.

His teammates had equally confident looks on their faces as they worked hard for this victory. 

"Stay locked in," Thoesen said.  "You have to want the ball hit to you. If you don't want it hit to you, that's when we make mistakes, so you have to want the ball hit to you."

It was a team effort by Wilton, as it overcame the loss of two starters.

"We have some injuries," Thoesen said after the game. "Scott Young, our starting first baseman, hurt his foot last night. Matt Baird, our starting outfielder, pulled his hamstring, and we have a couple of guys at college orientation."

Wilton is back in action on Sunday with a doubleheader against Norwalk starting at 10 a.m.