By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Nick Montagut’s three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning proved the difference in a slugfest of a game, a 12-10 win by St. Charles Catholic-based Townsend Homes over John Ehret-based Culicchia Neurological Friday.

Montagut also collected the win in relief. He started his outing rough—he allowed four runs in the sixth inning that allowed Culicchia to take a 10-9 advantage. And after his home run, Culicchia was able to load the bases.

But Townsend Homes coach Paul Waguespack stuck with him and the move paid off as Montagut would strikeout the next two batters.

“We feel good right now,” said Waguespack. “No matter what happens from this point on, we feel like it’s been a very productive summer. We answered some questions with our pitching staff. We’ve been swinging the bats really well. And our defense, I feel like we’ve upgraded there the most. We’ve played much better defensively. So all of that said, I’m pleased. Win or lose, a great summer.”

Townsend Homes clinched the second seed in its four-team Second District division, behind top-seeded Otto Candies (Hahnville-based). Townsend Homes will host Destrehan-based Valero-St. Charles Thursday, while Otto Candies will host East St. John-based Reserve Post 159 in the first round of a round robin double elimination tournament. The winner advances to the Southeast Regional at Kirsch Rooney Stadium in New Orleans. The regional runs from July 9-13.

“Kirsch-Rooney would be lagniappe for us,” said Waguespack. “We’ve got to win two out of three.”

Montagut finished the game at the plate 3 for 3 with a double to go with his home run. Macky Cortez was 2 for 4 with a grand slam in the fourth inning. Jeffrey Hall and David Bleakley were also each 2 for 4. Dylan Gilles also homered in the game, charging one out of Comet Field in the second.

It was a back and forth struggle that saw the lead change hands back and forth, from a 4-2 Culicchia lead to a 6-4, then 9-5 Townsend advantage, back to a 10-9 Culicchia lead, and finally the 12-10 final with Townsend (7-5) on top.

Chad McNeil started the game, allowing six runs on seven hits.

The two teams combined for 25 hits.

Townsend Homes’ game with Rummel-based Deanie’s Seafood was rained out Thursday and will not be made up.

On Wednesday, Townsend Homes defeated Lutcher-based Zapp’s/Roussel’s, 11-4, clinching a non-district summer sweep of their local rivals.

Connor Smith threw a complete game to earn the win.

Brandon Zimmer was 3 for 4 with three RBIs in the game. Montagut went 2 for 4, and Bleakley went 1 for 3 with a two-run double.