By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

RESERVE — If Riverside is a measuring stick, East St. John baseball has come a ways in reaching their early season goals.

The two St. John Parish schools first met in a home scrimmage for the Wildcats on Feb. 10 where the Rebels got out on top early, but fell behind in the later innings. ESJ pulled off a regular season win in much the same fashion Tuesday afternoon at Riverside, coming back to win after falling behind early in the game.

It was a big fourth inning that put East St. John ahead as Corwin Brown opened the inning with the first of his two home runs and that was followed by hits from Donald Goff, Raymond Anderson, Courtney Sentimore and I’Keem Brown before the Rebels could end the inning with a 6-6 tie

Following that, Brandon Trant held the Rebels scoreless through the final two innings while ESJ poured it on en route to a 17-7 final.

I’Keem Brown led East St. John from the plate, going 4-for-4 with a double and a home run. I’Keem Brown went 2-for-3 from the plate and had a homer. Sentimore also had a long ball.

The Wildcat head coach said he likes the improvement that he’s seen in his squad since the scrimmage game, but that they still have not reached their full potential.

“It’s coming along for us over here,” said second-year ESJ head coach Ryan Sims. &#8220We’re swinging the bat well and our pitchers are looking good. If we can keep improving like we have so far through the season, I think this team can make a mark in district.”

The Rebels held ESJ in check for the first three innings as they built up a 6-1 lead. Dylan Becnel took the start on the mound for Riverside and got through the top of the first inning where Cavin Richmond put the Rebels on the scoreboard with a two run homer. Also homering in the game for the Rebels was Jade Falgoust and Thad Louque.