The Mathews High School varsity baseball team won both ends of a doubleheader against the visiting Charles City Panthers last Thursday, blanking them, 12-0, in the first game and picking up a 6-2 win in the nightcap.

Ryan Ewell, Daniel Mitchem and Tyler Roberts combined for a five-hit shutout in the first game. Ewellwent three innings, striking out six while giving up two hits and three walks. Mitchem pitched one inning, giving up two hits. Roberts finished up the game, allowing one hit and striking out three.

MHS head coach Nick Naglieri said, "Some of the pitching staff is having problems finding the strike zone, but we were helped out by an inexperienced Charles City team. We need to be better at throwing strikes."

Mathews exploded at the plate, led by Chris Davis, who went 3-for-3 with a home run. Ewell (2-for-4), Nick Stump (2-for-3), Chase Kemp (2-for-3, double) and James Pavik (2-for-3) also had multiple hits. Deondre Foster picked up his first homer, while Austin Kemp went 1-for-2.

The Devils continued to dominate in the second game, with Stump and Michael Cunningham sharing pitching duties. Stump put in three perfect innings with seven strikeouts. Despite having a perfect game, Naglieri pulled his starter to give Cunningham some experience.

Cunningham pitched quite well, giving up only one hit and two runs, one earned, all in the final inning. "The defense let Michael down," Naglieri said. "He didn’t walk anyone. Nick pitched great throwing strikes."

The Devils’ offensive production was down from the opener; Chris Kemp, Austin Kemp, Chris Perreault, Davis, Mitchem, Stump, Ewell, Pavik, Foster got one hit apiece.

"Even though these two games were against a weaker team, they are working hard and I think it will start to show shortly," Naglieri said.

Tuesday’s game against Northumberland was postponed because of inclement weather. Mathews begins its district schedule today, when the Devils host King William, starting at 5 o’clock.