By TJ Hunt
Scouting Director, New Jersey

FLEMINGTON -- Hunterdon Central beat Watchung Hills 2-0 yesterday. Hunterdon Central's Lehigh recruit, 2017 RHP Peter Woltersdorf went the distance, throwing a a three hit shutout, only walking one. 

Hunterdon Central scored both runs in the bottom of the second inning, when 3B Sal Lombardo walked to start the inning and Kevin Johnson was hit by a pitch. HC's 2B Brian Adams sacrificed the runners up a base, and No. 9 batter, SS Ryan Koep walked to load the bases. The big blow came when lead off batter, CF Mark Saponera doubled down the left field line to score two runs.

A matchup of two tough pitchers, Woltersdorf and uncommitted 2018 RHP Mike Murray set the tone for the rest of the game. Woltersdorf showed his plus command of three pitches yet again, and continues to be the staple of consistency for the Red Devils heading into State Tournament play.

Murray went 6 innings, scattering 7 hits and allowing two earned in the hard luck loss. Murray has an athletic build with a short quick arm. His fastball sat 84-85 touching 86 from a lower-3/4 slot. Slider had tight spin at 73-74 with 11/5 depth. Tough pitch to see out of hand as he maintains fastball arm speed. Tall, athletic balance point, turns body drastically, Johnny-Cueto-esque. In doing so, hides the ball very well. Release point is tough to pick up from funk in delivery and slot. 

Murray battled through some command issues throughout the game, in large part due to a blister or cut on throwing hand. 

Hunterdon Central will head into Monday's State Tournament as the 3 seed in the Central Group 4 section, while Watchung Hills will go into the state tournament in the North 2 Group 2 section as the 5 seed.