What began as a steady opening month has evolved into one of the most dominant stretches in Harford Community College baseball history. The Fighting Owls enter early April riding a program‑record 34‑game winning streak – surpassing the old record of 32, set in 2019 – powering their way to a 35–3 overall record and a spotless 16–0 mark in Maryland JUCO play. The run has elevated Harford from Region 20 contender to a national statement, as evident in the Fighting Owls receiving votes in this week's NJCAA Division I Baseball rankings.
"It's great to hold any record, especially one where you felt like it was impossible to top," said head baseball coach Josh Houser. "I think like most good teams, we're hyper focused on the next game rather than the totality of the streak or the schedule."
The numbers tell a staggering story. Through 38 games, Harford is batting .422 as a team, slugging .748, and averaging 12 runs per game, while holding opponents to a .235 batting average and fewer than four runs per contest. It is a balance of production that has allowed the Fighting Owls to win in a variety of ways, all while rewriting the program's record book.
An Offense Built on Pressure and Power
Harford's lineup is relentless from the first pitch to the last out, led by shortstop Ty Mercado, who has enjoyed a breakout season at the top of the order. Mercado is hitting .506 with a 1.566 OPS, ranking among the NJCAA's most productive all-around players. In addition to eight home runs and 41 RBIs, Mercado has swiped 23 bases in 25 attempts, turning singles into scoring threats and constantly forcing defensive miscues.
Catcher/designated hitter Jack Fitzpatrick has supplied extraordinary power. Fitzpatrick leads the team with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs, while posting a .472 batting average, and a 1.669 OPS. When the Fighting Owls needed separation during the streak, Fitzpatrick repeatedly delivered extra‑base damage that shifted momentum permanently in Harford's favor.
Mercado's middle‑infield partner Jeremy Reyes has provided stability and consistency, batting .415 with 33 RBIs, and a .511 on‑base percentage. Reyes' ability to grind at‑bats and lengthen innings has been a defining theme throughout the streak, particularly in conference play where Harford has worn down opposing pitching staffs.
While Mercado and Fitzpatrick often set the table, the depth of the Fighting Owls' lineup might be the most impressive component.
Outfielder AJ Palumbo is hitting .426, scoring 38 runs, and driving in 30, while center fielder Nathan Wingenroth owns a .391 average, has seven homers, and 32 RBIs. First baseman/outfielder James Asmus (.391, six homers, 33 RBIs) and catcher Derek Poole (.383, six home runs, 45 RBI) add yet another layer of production, making it nearly impossible for opponents to find relief spots in the batting order. First baseman Danny Scullion adds to Harford's power output, sporting a .405/.553/.869 slash line with a 1.422 OPS, 10 homers and 34 RBIs. Jaxon Kehoe has provided steady defense at third base while producing consistently at the plate. Kehoe is batting .436 with 24 hits, nine doubles, two home runs, and 25 RBIs in 29 games played.
"This year's group is vetted," Houser said. "That alone has allowed us [coaches] to push them and challenge them every day in ways we may not have been able to do with other teams in the past. I think the guys have complimented each other this year better than we ever have. Offensively we feel like 1-9, any lineup we write, will have the ability to have success."
Pitching Depth Fuels the Streak
While the offense often grabs headlines, Harford's pitching staff has been equally crucial in sustaining the 34‑game run. The Owls have limited damage by avoiding free passes, minimizing home runs allowed, and consistently throwing quality innings from start to finish.
"Our starting pitching this year has certainly anchored and solidified our pitching staff," Houser said. "Kyle Tuthill and Ben Christine have certainly been the two biggest mainstays at the top of the rotation."
Right‑hander Kyle Tuthill has established himself as the rotation anchor. The sophomore is 7–0 with a 3.77 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts across 43 innings, setting the tone in series openers and providing length that preserves the bullpen. Tuthill's ability to challenge hitters early has allowed Harford's defense to stay engaged and ahead in counts.
"Tuthill's ability to manipulate the baseball in the strike-zone is something not many people can do," Houser said. "His overall arsenal is far more developed than we saw a year ago, which has allowed him to get outs at a much higher clip and have more success."
Behind Tuthill, sophomore Ben Christine has emerged as one of the most effective arms on the staff. Christine owns a 6–1 record with a 2.20 ERA over 32.2 innings, striking out 57 hitters while limiting opponents to just 13 hits. His combination of command and swing‑and‑miss stuff has been invaluable during doubleheaders and tight league matchups, often bridging games between the starter and the late innings.
"Ben has carved out much more consistency than we saw from him in the past," Houser said. "The raw stuff had always been great, however, as he converted to a full-time starter, he's learned how to use his offerings to get through a lineup multiple times and still be efficient enough to work deep into games."
Bullpen Reliability and Matthew Galli's Role
The bullpen has been another major strength, highlighted by right‑hander Matthew Galli, whose role has been to deliver clean, efficient relief innings in leverage spots. Galli has consistently limited traffic on the bases, allowing Harford to maintain leads and prevent momentum swings during the winning streak. His ability to enter mid‑inning scenarios and throw strikes has led to a 1.72 ERA and .214 batting average against.
Making History, Eyeing More
The Fighting Owls' 26–0 home record has turned the Harford Varsity Baseball Field into an imposing venue, but the streak has not been built solely at home. Road wins, neutral‑site victories, and dominant conference performances have established Harford as one of the most complete junior college teams in the region.
At 34 consecutive wins and counting, this group has already cemented its place in program history. Yet the Fighting Owls' approach remains unchanged: steady at‑bats, aggressive baserunning, quality innings, and a roster that trusts every player on it.
As the season moves toward the postseason, Harford is no longer chasing records — it is continuing the standard of Fighting Owls baseball.
"It's awesome for this group to get recognition for what is an extremely impressive streak," Houser said. "I hope they get a moment to sit back and enjoy each win with each other, while trying to improve upon our mistakes game to game."
