By GEORGE MAHL – Sports Editor

RESERVE – It didn’t seem like it was going to happen. Loranger starting pitcher Wade Miley had been pitching a terrific game against Riverside Academy. He struck out 10 batters over six innings.

It appeared that the season would end for the Rebels. Then came the sixth.

With Lee Haydel getting to third base on a sacrifice fly, Josh Labiche stepped up and did something he rarely does – bunt.

The suicide squeeze play worked as Haydel was able to score from third base to tie the score 1-1.

The go ahead run was in the hands of senior Chris Reeves. The RA rightfielder nailed a single, scoring Labiche from second base.

His single gave the Rebels a 2-1 lead heading into the final inning. Riverside starting pitcher Jordan Poirrier through six solid innings, but was replaced by Jordan Remondet with one out in the seventh.

With one out, Carl Koenig walked and moved to second when Chris Baudreaux grounded out in the inning.

Remondet got back to business by striking out Michael Porter on three pitches, thus ending the game and Loranger’s season.

The victory lifted Poirrier’s record to 9-2 overall. He struck out six and only allowed two hits.

Riverside will play the winner of Episcopal and Westminster, most probably on Friday. If Episcopal wins, it will be at Fernandez Field.

“This is one game of a whole series,” is what Riverside Head Coach Steve Stropolo told his team afterward.

Through the first three innings, Miley was dominant. He struck out six and only allowed two baserunners.

In the bottom of the third, the Rebels appeared as if they were going to score the game’s first run. AJ Delaneuville reached first on an error and moved to third on another Loranger error. However, Miley struck out the next three Rebel hitters, leaving Delaneuville at third and ending the inning.

Poirrier, through the first three innings, was just as dominant as his counterpart. He struck out three and only allowed one runner to reach base.

In the top of the fourth, the Wolves got their lone run of the game. After CJ Roussell grounded out to start the inning, Miley singled, stole second, and scored on a throwing error from Poirrier.

In the fourth and fifth innings, Riverside had difficulty getting runners on base. After Miley struck out two to start the fourth, Remondet reached base on an error, but could not advance when Nick Falgoust flied out to end the inning.

In the fifth inning, Miley retired the side, striking out Cavin Richmond to end the inning.