Mounds View senior Henry DeCaster won just one game as a pitcher last season, and in the first game of 2015 he’s already equaled that total. 

DeCaster threw five shutout innings while striking out five to earn the victory as two-time defending state Class 3A state champion Mounds View downed Suburban East Conference rival Stillwater 6-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Stillwater High School. 

DeCaster, without the benefit of a blazing fastball or an overly imposing mound presence, used spectacular control and sound mechanics during his efficient and effective performance. 

“My game plan was to go out and throw strikes and get ahead (in the count),” DeCaster said after the win. “It’s important to get out there and locate the zone right away.”

Mounds View coach Mark Downey said the less-than-flashy outing is typical of DeCaster. 

“Henry’s a pitcher, not just a thrower,” Downey said. “He has a plan (on the mound). It’s very workmanlike and obviously very effective." 

The Mustangs not only battled the Ponies, but both teams battled the elements on a day when the temperature didn’t get above 50 degrees. Consistent wind was also a factor, particularly on balls hit to the outfield. 

Knowing that this type of weather will likely extend through much of the season, Downey was upbeat and confident that it would not affect his team’s play. 

“We live here, we practice in it, and as long as we can get outside for practice and it’s not raining, we’re going to do it,” Downey said with a smile. 

DeCaster and fellow senior Joe Fredrickson dismiss the notion that this year’s Mustangs team isn't content with its back-to-back titles. They also realize the job of replacing 2014 Metro Player of the Year and Cleveland Indians minor league prospect Sam Hentges is going to be a group effort.

“(It’s) a whole new team, new leaders,” said Fredrickson, who went 2-3 with two runs batted in against Stillwater. “Hopefully we can get the job done.”

“You try not to think about it,” DeCaster said. “Just take it one game at a time, one pitch at a time, and good things happen when you work hard and play hard.”

Senior pitcher Henry DeCaster threw five shutout innings, and senior shortstop Joe Fredrickson knocked in two runs to lead Mounds View to a 6-0 victory over Suburban East Conference rival Stillwater on Wednesday afternoon at Stillwater High School in the season opener for both teams.

DeCaster was efficient and effortless, striking out five while not allowing a Stillwater runner past second base. Fredrickson went 2-for-3, and his bloop single into right field in the top of the second inning scored two runs and stretched the Mustangs' lead to 3-0. Juniors Bo Lovdahl, Tyler Fredlund, and Nick Lovdahl also drove in runs for Mounds View.

Senior Josh Gaworski scored Mounds View’s sixth run on a pass ball, and Bo Lovdahl provided two innings of scoreless relief for the Mustangs

Stillwater senior first baseman Arthur Seeb was the lone bright spot on offense, going 2-for-2 for the Ponies.

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