LEWISTON – July 13, 2005 – Jason Middleton scattered six hits over six innings and Anthony Zettel powered a memorable home run to help West Branch to a 5-2 District 8 semifinal victory over Charlevoix on Wednesday, July 13.

Middleton, who walked two and struck out six, was helped by a stingy West Branch defense. Catcher Chris Hebert ended potential Charlevoix rally in the first inning, rifling a throw to first baseman Drew Watchorn to pick off a baserunner. In the second, Charlevoix had a run in and the bases loaded when John Hughes made a running catch in center field to record the final out of the inning. And in the sixth, West Branch averted what could have been a game-endangering rally as Zettel threw out a baserunner at home on a relay from Hughes in center.

West Branch took the lead for good in the third inning on Zettel’s long home run, which cleared the 15-foot high scoreboard in center field and landed about 50 feet beyond the fence. Middleton, who had doubled, scored ahead of Zettel.

West Branch added a pair of runs in the fourth. Charlie Murdock scored on a wild pitch, and Blaise Kihn came home on an error on a ball hit by Middleton.

West Branch took a 1-0 lead in the first when Hebert singled to lead off the game and later scored on a wild pitch.