It's been a successful season for the American Legion Post 176 19U Bethel Admirals baseball team, comprising Newtown and Bethel players. After winning its first five games, the Admirals were beaten by Zone 5 rival Monroe, but got back on a winning streak to carry a 9-1 record into this week's action.

Tim Vander Have got the call for the Admirals' June 22 visit to Easton, at Joel Barlow High's field in Redding, and made the most of it. Vander Have struck out five batters, including three in the seventh inning to toss a three-hitter in a 5-1 win.

"Tim was extremely excited to get out and show what he had today" Coach Josh Hull. "He was as strong in the last inning as he was in the first."

Vander Have mixes an array of pitches - two- and four-seam fastballs, a curveball, slider and changeup - to keep batters guessing.

Catcher Charlie Huegi delivered an RBI single and threw out a runner attempting to steal second base.

The win was a bounce back for the Admirals following a 13-4 loss to Monroe the night before - shortstop Huegi made several sparkling defensive plays in the loss - and kick-started another wining stretch. The Admirals rode a string of four straight victories into this week's action.

On June 23, the Admirals blanked Danbury 2-0. With the contest scoreless in the sixth inning, Huegi and Michael Parker ripped long triples and Austin Kasbarian drilled an RBI single to propel the Admirals in game played at Brookfield High School.

Two days later, the Admirals doubled up Ansonia 12-6. Sam Czel led the Admirals from the leadoff spot going 2-for-3 with a single and triple and drove in three runs. Huegi had a two-run single in the second inning. Parker pitched six innings and had six strikeouts.

On June 26, the Admirals defeated Easton 6-4. Vander Have went 2-for-3 with a run-scoring single in the third inning and closed out the game from the mound in the seventh.

The pitching rotation is led by Parker, Chaz Cywin, Joe Liquori, Kyle Brelling, Kasbarian, and Vander Have.

"It's a great team, it's a great atmosphere. I love these guys. We've been rolling, the bats have been doing really well - especially at the bottom of the lineup," Vander Have said.

"We're swinging the bats pretty well right through the lineup," Hull added. "This team, as a whole, is about chemistry and character - just a pleasure to coach; I can't be happier."