The Coogs had their season opener on Thursday night against John Cooper. It was an exciting game that highlighted the Cougars bats and base running as well as their pitching. Many of the starters are fresh off the end of soccer season and this was their first taste of baseball for the season.
It wasn’t exactly baseball weather with the temperature hovering in the low 40’s. But the Cougars got off to great start, getting two base runners in the 1st inning along with a couple of stolen bases from Michael Ellisor and Jeff Abt. In the bottom of the first, the Dragons got to see starting pitcher Jeff Abt, although there wasn’t much to see with some pitches being clocked in the high 80’s. Score at the end of the inning: 0-0
The Cougars drew first blood in the 2nd inning beginning with a double down the middle by Ethan Carnes. Carnes was driven home by Josh Yerian for the first Cougar run. Kyle Serres had a long fly out to center to end the inning. Good base running by the Dragons allowed a base runner to reach 3rd and score on a passed ball. Abt continued his fine pitching performance with 3 K’s in the inning. Score: 1-1
The Cougars once again showed their offensive strength in the 3rd inning with Ellisor stealing 2nd followed by a hit up the middle by Abt. Johnathan Martin picked up his first RBI of the day on a 4-3 drive that brought Ellisor home. The Dragons then faced freshman pitcher, Ethan Carnes. Carnes had 1 K and was backed up with some good defense by Ellisor and Brett Wyatt. 3/up, 3/down. Score 2-1.
The 4th inning provided no cushion for the Coogs with no runs scored. In the bottom of the inning, Carnes answered with terrific pitching. Good defense was again provided by Martin and Wyatt. Score remained 2 -1.
The 5th started with a bang with Stuart Trahan reaching 2nd base on a nice hit. Abt was robbed of hit with a long fly ball to deep left being caught. Martin then added to his RBI count with a single, scoring Trahan. Shane Knight took to the mound in the bottom of the inning. The Dragons bats finally came to life and they scored 5 runs. Kyle Serres came on to shut them down for the final two outs of the inning. Score: 3 – 6.
Northland came back strong in the 6th with a nice hit by Wyatt, who later scored on a hit by Ellisor. In the bottom of the 6th, Serres continued to pitch great with 2 K’s, 1 BB and one out on the bases. Score: 4 – 6.
Final score, Cooper 6, Northland 4. Up next is our home opener against Northeast Christian, this Saturday, February 17th at 1:00 p.m. Come on out to Cougar Field and support our team!
