For an outfielder, little compares to running down a ball in the gap. Winthrop center fielder Tyler Cobb knows the feeling well.

Tuesday, in a game against Dirigo, the senior ranged far into the right-center field gap to catch a ball hit by Jon Smith. It saved at least a double, and with a runner on second, also killed a potential big inning. The catch was magnified by an unpredictable swirling wind.
The Ramblers made several good defensive plays in winning 3-2 and taking over the top spot in the Mountain Valley Conference. Shortstop Dave Ricker speared a line drive in the webbing of his glove in the fourth, the same inning catcher Jordan Conant picked a runner off first base. Conant also threw out a base stealer while pitcher Jake Steele picked a runner off first.
Ricker and first baseman Forrest Dwyer combined for another good play in the fifth. With the infield drawn in to cut off a run at the plate, Ricker slightly bobbled a ground ball. With no play at the plate, he drilled the ball to first and Dwyer dug out the tough low hop nicely for an out.
The good plays were not limited the Ramblers. The Cougars, led by center fielder Derek Daley, made several good catches in the outfield.
“These are the two best defensive teams in the conference,” Dirigo coach Dave Lafleur said.
It’s no coincidence the teams were playing for first place.