SALEM — Before the game, Telstar softball coach Jim Lunney, talked about the Rebels ability to play the game from the top of the line-up to the bottom. Solid defense, timely hitting and quality pitching have helped the team run off an unbeaten streak to start the season.

Monday afternoon, the Rebels showed they understand the game very well, beating Mt. Abram, 14-0 in a five-inning mercy rule game, to extend their streak to five wins without a loss. Mt. Abram dips to 1-4.

“This years team does a lot of things well,” Lunney said. “They can hit from top-to-bottom, play good defense and Olivia York showed she can pitch.”

York was impressive throughout the game, changing speeds while mainly focusing on her fastball. She struck out nine, allowed two hits and walked one.

“I tried mixing it up a little,” York said. “I mainly focused on first pitch strikes and throwing to the outside corners of the plate.”

Telstar shortstop Becca Howard had a massive day at the plate, pounding out four hits, including a double, scored four runs and had six RBI in four plate appearances. Lead-off hitter Ashley Savage added three singles and scored three times.

“We have been able to build confidence in our hitting,” Howard said. “Our hitting has come together and we are being aggressive.”

Telstar put the game out of reach early scoring three runs in each of the first, three innings for a 9-0 lead. The Rebels cemented the outcome with four more in the fourth.

Mt. Abram threatened in the fourth when the Roadrunners appeared to be on the brink of breaking up York’s shutout bid. Olivia Ryan opened the inning, driving a hard shot to centerfield for the Roadrunners first hit of the game.

With two outs Meg Marble reached on an infield hit sending Ryan to third. Marble stole second putting both runners in scoring position. York, however, had different ideas, shutting down the bid by striking out the final batter of the inning.

“We’re a young team and didn’t quit,” Mt. Abram coach Marc Keller said. “Their pitcher was tough, she threw strikes but we kept swinging.”

Telstar, the top ranked team in Western Maine Class C, will host Wiscasset Wednesday before heading to powerful Hall-Dale for a tough test, Friday.

[email protected]