Watson Leads Howell to Opening Day Win

FREEHOLD --In their 2011 season opener, the Howell Rebels (1-0) knew exactly who they needed to turn to.

Senior Dan Watson pitched a complete-game shutout, while striking out 10 in Howell's 3-0 win over Freehold Township (0-1) at Freehold Township High School, Saturday afternoon.

"We've come to expect that from him," Howell coach Eric Johnson said, "He's a talented pitcher and when he's getting his fastball over, he's going to be tough to hit."

From the second inning through the fifth, Watson found himself in a jam with runners in scoring position, but was able to break out of it each time unscathed.

"It's big," Johnson said of getting out of trouble, "We really wanted guys to embrace the challenges that come within a game, and they did that time and time again today."

Howell got on the scoreboard in the second inning, when sophomore Jordan Reizer belted an RBI single that scored pinch-runner Jack McCabe. Catcher Kyle Conrad set the inning up when he hustled for a lead-off double before being replaced by McCabe on the base paths.

After three scoreless innings, Brian Blood singled, advanced to second on a balk, and later scored on a wild-pitch to give the Rebels an insurance run.

Joe Raccuglia added to the lead with an infield single in the seventh inning.

Howell's all-around play helped deliver the victory, including a diving stop by Raccuglia to end the sixth inning.

In the second inning, the Patriots had runners on second and third with one out. Connor Lewis dribbled a pitch right in front of home plate, where Conrad threw it over to Raccuglia, who then tossed it over to second base for the 2-3-6 double-play to get out of the inning.

Brian Blood also gunned down a potential run in the fourth inning when the Patriots attempted a delayed double-steal.

"We did a terrific job defensivley in a lot of really tight spots," Johnson said.

Conrad had an impressive day at the plate overall, going two-for-two and drawing an intentional walk.

Despite Howell's inexperience up-and-down the lineup, the Rebels were able to get the job done against a rival and divisional foe.

"We had a lot of kids who got their first varsity hit today," Johnson said, "Hopefully this experience carries on and they get better as the season moves on."

Howell will play their home-opener on Monday, Apr. 1 when they host Middletown South.