The Wildcats understood the challenge ahead and, despite enduring a few rain delays, ultimately shut out the Titans with a final score of 3-0.

Because of the rain, Alpena and TC West will meet again on Friday to make up the second game of the doubleheader.

“This is a huge win,” Alpena coach Eric Mackenzie said. “To beat their best pitcher is also a big accomplishment for our guys. He’s one of the best we’ll see all season, and we took advantage of him early and never looked back.”

Heading into game one, the Wildcats knew it would have to be a pitcher’s duel in order to come out victorious.

News Photo by Owen Kinzey Jonny Rensberry, left, talks to pitcher Kaleb Donajkowski during Tuesday’s game in Alpena against Traverse City West. The Wildcats took home the win with a 3-0 score. Donajkowski threw a seven-inning complete game shutout, where he amassed seven strikeouts while only allowing six hits and three walks.

The Titans started their ace, Jack Griffiths, who has dominated all season and looked to do the same against Alpena.

While he had been dominant on the mound, the Wildcats jumped on him early in the bottom of the first inning.

Gabe Glawe led off the game, earning a walk, and Tucker Bright also found his way on base.

Bright hit a chopper to the shortstop, who mistakenly overthrew the first basemen, causing the Wildcats to move up to second and third base.

Now, with two runners in scoring position and nobody out, the Wildcat’s starting pitcher, Kaleb Donajkowski, stepped up to the plate.

News Photo by Owen Kinzey Kaleb Donajkowski pitches the ball during AHS's baseball game in Alpena on Tuesday.

Donajkowski ripped a single into center field for a two-RBI single to take a 2-0 lead.

Alpena uncovered its third and final run of the game on another Traverse City blunder.

Nate Southard pinch-ran for Donajkowski, and two passed balls later, Southard crossed the dish for a 3-0 lead.

Immediately after the inning, both teams went into a rain delay, completely changing the game’s outlook.

Even though this seemed to hurt Alpena’s early momentum, Donajkowski emerged from the delay incredibly focused, finding a groove on the mound.

News Photo by Owen Kinzey Kaleb Donajkowski prepares for the pitch during Alpena's baseball game on Tuesday.

Each inning, TC West found themselves unable to touch both the fastball and off-speed pitch.

Finally, the Titans built up a rally that loaded the bases in the top of the fifth, but even then, Donajkowski kept throwing and worked his way out of the jam.

He went on to throw a seven-inning complete game shutout, where he amassed seven strikeouts while only allowing six hits and three walks.

Although Alpena completely slowed offensively, Donajkowski picked up the slack to earn the win and single-handedly led the Wildcats to a victory.

“Kaleb (Donajkowski) is a competitor, he has been all season long, and he went pitch for pitch with a D1 ace tonight. We knew he’d have to pitch well in order to win, and with the defense we played behind him tonight, we are really happy to come away with this win,” Coach Mackenzie said.

News Photo by Owen Kinzey Tucker Bright swings at the plate on Tuesday during Alpena’s home game against Traverse City West. AHS won 3-0.

Alpena hosts Traverse City West again on Friday.