By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Because East St. John has lost its first nine district games, the Wildcats know that their season ends next Thursday. They will not be advancing to the playoffs.

But make no mistake, East St. John Coach Ryan Sims says: the Wildcats still have all intentions of being major factors in the District 6-5A playoff race, even if it means spoiling it for someone else – like Destrehan.

That was the case on Monday, as host East St. John dealt its rival a devastating blow. ESJ’s Corwin Brown scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure a 7-6 win for his team, and in the process dropping Destrehan into a three-way tie for third place in 6-5A.

“These kids refused to lose,” said East St. John coach Ryan Sims. “We know we won’t be going on to the playoffs, but we will play a part in this race. We’re just going to go out and have fun, and see if we can’t spoil someone’s season.”

ESJ’s first win in 6-5A came despite a furious Destrehan (17-12, 5-5) comeback in which DHS scored five runs over the sixth and seventh innings to tie the game at 7.

“It’s a testament to these kids. They’ve been through so much this year,” said Sims. “They won’t quit. They came back, but our guys fought through adversity and found a way to win.”

Lionel Weston (2-3) took the win after coming on in relief and pitching a perfect eighth inning.

    He combined with starter Brandon Trant and reliever Brighton Trepagnier to keep the Destrehan bats under control for most of the day. Trant went six innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs. He struck out three.

    Kendrick Sentimore led East St. John (9-12-1, 1-9) at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs.

    Brown drew a walk to begin the eighth, and advanced to second when Sentimore singled. Destrehan intentionally walked Donald Goff to load the bases, putting Brown at third, and setting up the game-winning score.

    Each team scored a run in the first inning. East St. John took control after a five-run second inning made it 6-1.

    But two Destrehan runs in the sixth and three more in the seventh gave DHS an opportunity to win in extra innings.  

    The two teams were scheduled to rematch on Tuesday at Destrehan.

    “We showed that we can play and compete with teams in this district,” said Sims. “At this point, we can play loose and just have some fun out there.”