By DAVID VANTRESS

For the Northwest News

FORT WAYNE — Nothing like a good old-fashioned pitchers duel.

The Carroll High School baseball team had a pair of those last week, defeating Northrop 2-0 on April 4 and following that up with a 1-0 win over Penn on April 7.

With the wins, Carroll stayed perfect on the young season at 5-0.

Against Northrop, senior Gabe Starks accounted for both the Carroll runs, going 1-for-2.

Brady Long went four strong innings to get the win, fanning three and walking two. Jaxon Sparks went the final three frames to earn a save, striking out six.

Against the Kingsmen last Saturday, the Chargers got the lone run they would end up needing in the top of the first. Michael Dierckman started and went 4 1/3 innings to earn the victory, Camden Herschberger went the final 2 1/3 to get the save.

Carroll coach Dave Ginder said the Chargers didn’t have much going offensively against the Kingsmen.

“We were able to get the one run early, and then Michael battled for us on the mound,” Ginder said.

Carroll is in the midst of a four-game week: The Chargers were slated to host Angola on Monday, and also have games at Leo on Wednesday, home against DeKalb on Thursday and at home against Bishop Dwenger on Friday.

Last season, the Chargers went 26-5 and won the Class 4A Carroll Sectional before falling to Homestead in the regional round.

The Chargers and Spartans don’t compete in a conference in baseball, both assembling an independent schedule.

Ginder enters his 21st campaign with a loaded squad. Key returning players include Cooper Rudolph, Thomas Tratnyek, Camden Herschberger, Daniel Kirk, Andrew Sinish, Michael Dierckman, Gabe Starks, Cameron Saunders, Conner Barkel and Will Worrel.

Newcomers to the team include Jaxon Craker and Jaxon Sparks.

Key losses to graduation for Carroll included Alex Smith, Jordan Malott, Jaydan Duba, Jacob McGrath, Michael Berwick and Chandler Joyal.

“I believe we are blessed with many good arms and they will have to carry us along with our defense,” Ginder said. “Offensively we will be a work in progress but believe we will find ways to score.”