LOWER LAKE >> On the day before the two undefeated leaders of the North Central League I varsity baseball race, Kelseyville and Cloverdale, are scheduled to meet in Cloverdale, the only two teams without a win, Lower Lake and Willits, squared off at Lower Lake High School on Thursday afternoon.
Willits prevailed 9-2 to escape the league basement, powered by a two-run home run in the top of the first inning by Justin Thom. The Wolverines (1-7) scored in every inning but the fourth, building a 6-0 lead along the way. Lower Lake (0-7) ended the shutout with two runs in the bottom of the fourth but was pretty quiet the rest of the day. Of the Trojans’ five hits, Ryan Hallsted went 2-for-2 with a double and Reed Diener went 2-for-3. Ethan Watson had the only other hit.
Thom’s home run highlighted a three-run first inning against losing pitcher Hokulani Wickard, who worked five innings and allowed eight of Willits’ 11 hits. He struck out two and walked one.
