ESJ ready for district after pair of big wins

Published 12:00 am Friday, March 19, 2010

By ryan Arena

L’Observateur

RESERVE – A pair of dominating performances this week suggests that with its District 6-5A opener looming next week, East St. John is more than ready.

The Wildcats outscored their two opponents 28-3 this week, notching a 15-0 win over East Jefferson Tuesday and a 13-3 victory over St. Augustine Monday.

“After a tough tournament in Lafayette, we really needed these wins,” said East St. John coach Ryan Sims. “With district next week, any confidence boost is a good thing.”

Bryton Trepagnier led the way for ESJ (7-5) over East Jefferson, going 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBIs. It helped his own cause, as he also earned the win on the mound, pitching three innings, striking out eight and allowing no hits.

The game ended after five innings due to the 10-run rule.

Shane Nicholson was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, and Andrew Taylor was 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

Against St. Augustine, LeBaron Sylvester went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs. Kody Duhe hit a two-run home run. Each Wildcats starter had a hit in the game.

Sims said his team was relaxed at the plate, a step forward after some earlier issues with pressing the action.

“Guys were trying to do too much,” he said. “When we’re relaxed and focused, we’ve got a good hitting club.”

Richard DiMaggio got the win, going five innings and allowing three runs on seven hits. He struck out and walked one batter each.

“We think we’re starting to come around. I’m excited about starting our district schedule,” said Sims.

“I feel like we’ve got a shot. I know we won’t back down from anyone, for sure.”