By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Riverside went 2-1 at last week’s Denham Spring’s tournament, toppling St. Frederick and Episcopal-Baton Rouge but falling to host Denham Springs.

“I definitely think it was a positive start for us,” said Riverside coach Matt White. “The kids are entering into a different system than they’re used to. A little more small ball, something I’m big into. They’re getting used to it. I thought we had a good start, though … last season these guys had a rough start, going 2-14 early, and we’re 2-1 now.”

The Rebels got a strong effort from Ashton Perret in their season opener against Denham Springs – he went six innings and allowed two runs on six hits. But the Rebels couldn’t find their offense in all but the fourth inning, one in which Austin Vicknair and Grady Gieger each drove in runs.

Bryant Tassin finished the game 2-for-2 with a double.

“We had our chances to win,” said White. “A coulda, shoulda thing. We just left too many baserunners on.”

The Rebels defeated St. Frederick in dramatic fashion, as Tate Scioneaux’s walk-off grand slam in the seventh inning delivered Riverside its first win of the season Friday.

“That’s a big win,” said White. “Tate came up big for us. We were down 4-1 and scrapped our way back. And a walk-off grand slam is a great way to go get your first victory.”

The Rebels scored nine of their 10 runs in the final two innings.

Scioneaux went five innings, striking out four and allowing two earned runs. Dylan Martin earned the victory in relief, striking out three in two innings. Scioneaux doubled and tripled in the game, going 3-for-4. Martin went 2-for-5 with a home run.

It was another comeback win Saturday for the Rebels, as nine seventh inning runs lifted RA over Episcopal, 14-7.

Tassin went 4-for-4 with a home run, a triple, and three RBIs.

“The kids are pumped up right now,” said White. “We were able to build up some momentum. To go 2-1, and we easily could have been 3-0, so I think you’re seeing guys buy in. Everyone’s looking forward to the next game, then this weekend in Monroe.”

Riverside was scheduled to face H.L. Bourgeois in Reserve Tuesday, then will go to Monroe for tournament action this weekend. RA will face St. Frederick, Mangham, Cedar Creek and Ouachita Christian.