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Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Smeltzer of Montpelier High School

The Locomotive's sophomore pitcher put together back-to-back no-hitter performances in the span of five days.

MONTPELIER, Ohio — Kenneth Smeltzer wasn't a born-and-raised Montpelier kid. Last year his family moved from the North Central School District to the village of Montpelier, taking his baseball talents with him.

"It was more of a family decision," Smeltzer explained. "It wasn't really related to sports."

Locomotives head baseball coach, Toby Hutchison, is happy regardless.

"It kind of surprised me, the transfer, coming over," said Hutchison. "Great family coming over. I couldn't be happier."

Smeltzer became an instant contributor for the Locomotives, and lately has been throwing some of the best games of his career. In the past week, the sophomore has thrown two no-hitter performances.

"I'm just relying on my strength in God, hoping he can do everything he can through me," Smeltzer said. "[I] put the ball in play, but my defense helped me out. It's just get out there, throw it, let them hit it, put it in play, and let the defense do the work."

Hutchison said his philosophy on pitching isn't about throwing the fastest, but throwing the most accurate.

"You can't ask for a better performance than that. Kenny's done a great job of going out there and throwing strikes," Hutchison said. 

"Kind of puts a target on him. People are going to be wanting to see what they can do against him. Moving down the line, we'll see how he does," he continues.

The best part: Smeltzer is part of a strong sophomore class. Hutchison said some of their best baseball is still ahead of them.

"To bring him in with the sophomore class that I was already blessed with, it was a Godsend because he's added so much more, filled in that piece that we really needed for the program," Hutchison said.

The Locos next game is scheduled for Monday, April 15 where they will face Fairview.

   

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