LANCASTER — There was no doubt it was Carson Miller’s biggest start of his career, but the Lancaster junior pitcher was more than ready for the moment facing defending Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye Division champion Pickerington Central.
Lancaster coach Corey Conn went to the mound twice with thoughts of taking Miller out, but each time, Conn saw something in Miller and let him continue. Miller was masterful in his six innings of work, and each time he needed to come up with a big pitch, he delivered.
Miller matched Tiger pitcher Colton Landtiser, an Ohio University commit, pitch for pitch. The Gales were able to scratch out two runs in the bottom of the first inning and added an insurance run in the sixth to secure a 3-0 victory on a chilly Friday night at England Field.
“That is a big win, they are a great team, and they had a great pitcher on the mound,” Conn said. “For us to come out here in less-than-ideal conditions with the cold weather, our guys handled it, and any adversity they faced today, they came through on the other side and I’m just proud of how they reacted in those tough moments.”
Lancaster improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the league. It was the Gales’ fifth consecutive shutout win, and they have now outscored their opponents 52-2 through the first six games.
Miller pitched six innings, giving up two hits while striking out 10 and walking two. Kam Griffith pitched the seventh inning. After walking the first batter, he struck out the next two and recorded a fly out.
“I had confidence going in, my arm felt good, and I have one of the best defenses in Ohio behind me and that gives me even more confidence as a pitcher,” Miller said. “I just had to throw strikes and let them play. The biggest thing for me was trying to calm myself down and not get sped up. I just had to stay relaxed. It was just me and Zach. I wasn’t thinking about anything else.”
Miller had plenty of help from the Gales’ defense. Junior left fielder Coleson Ross had two big-time catches in the first inning. Junior shortstop Brayden Montogomery also threw out a runner at home, and senior catcher Zach Mowder made a great play on the throw at the plate.
Conn said he knew Miller was facing a tough task against the Tigers, but he also knew Miller would compete and give it his ...
