Manlick stifles Sabers in Central victory

West Allis - Head coach Rick Hoppert is looking at sophomore Michael Manlick as the ace of the West Allis Central pitching staff this season.

Manlick certainly filled the role on June 25 in a 3-0 victory over Franklin. He worked the entire seven innings, allowing just three hits while striking out eight and walking none.

His effort, helped by two runs batted in from Jason Alvarez, was enough to give the Bulldogs their lone victory last week.

They also battled Oak Creek all the way in a 7-6 loss on June 28. Alvarez went 3-for-4 with a double and run batted in, while Brandon Burdick was 2-for-4 with a double. Dylan Diebitz pitched respectably as well, allowing nine hits and striking out two in seven innings, but took the loss.

The Bulldogs managed only two hits in a 7-1 loss to Greater Metro Conference champion Menomonee Falls on June 27.

Central came into this week at 4-15 in the GMC, with all four of the victories over teams in the top eight in the conference (West Allis Hale twice, Muskego and Franklin). The Bulldogs (4-19 overall) took on Brookfield Central in the regular-season finale on Monday.

They then begin WIAA tournament play as the 12th seed in their sectional and open against fifth-seeded Whitnall (12-8 entering this week) at Greenfield High School at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 10.

The winner goes on to a regional final game on Friday, July 13.