BLUE STREAKS TOP CADETS IN OPENER
Talented La Salle squad lacks key hits in 5-0 loss
SARTOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Monday afternoon’s game at East Side Rec was one of the first opportunities for La Salle’s baseball team to get onto a diamond this spring.
That fact was noticeable at times in the Cadets play.
La Salle out- hit Saratoga 5- 4, but also committed three errors and struck out 13 times in a 5- 0 non- league loss in the season opener for both squads.
“This is their first time see- ing competitive pitching,” Cadets coach Jesse Braverman said. “Batting practice is not the same as that.
The defense was a little rocky, we gave up a few bases on balls and we were behind a bit at the plate.”
The game started out favorably enough for the visitors.
Nick Hansen and Tim Carroll singled and Cory Listing drew a walk. However, Blue Streaks pitcher Keegan Leff ler struck out Jon Weber and induced a ground ball to get out of the inning.
Leff ler, a lefty, got out of a bases loaded jam with two outs in the top of the sixth by striking out Noah Grandjean.
Leff ler struck out 11 and got the win with six shutout innings for Saratoga Springs.
“We went down to Florida and that was a good way to start with some scrimmages,” Leff ler, who allowed 5 hits and no runs, said.
“When I get ahead with the fastball, whatever I feel that day, that’s what I’m going to go to.”
Jack Cairns struck out two in the top of the seventh to close the game for the hosts.
Star t er James Rubino went four innings and took the loss on the mound while Quentin Crudo finished the game with two innings of relief work.
Despite the up- anddown start, Braverman is optimistic about La Salle’s outlook this season.
“The two guys on the mound today are competitive pitchers,” he said of the two seniors. “They’re competitors. They give you a chance to win.”
The contest was an opportunity for the Cadets to gauge where they’re at before the Colonial Council season begins.
“Ravena has good arms, Shalmont, Voorheesvi l le always has a competitive team,” Braverman said.
“The Colonial Council is very underrated.
“I think the team has a chance to be a decent team.
There’s talent. We were up against a strong team but that’s who they’re up against if they get past the regular season.
It gives them a yardstick for what we have to do.”