By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Riverside earned its first victory of the season on Friday night by downing Bastrop 10-4 at the Alexandria tournament. The Rebels liked the feeling so much that they one-upped themselves a day later.

Freshman right-hander Mason Vicknair’s no-hitter led an inspired Riverside effort Saturday morning as the Rebels downed previously undefeated Live Oak 3-0. 

Vicknair struck out eight batters to highlight his first-career no-no, while Nick Delaneuville, T.J. St. Pierre and Chase Wallace each drove in runs. 

Delaneuville’s RBI came on a solo home run in the first inning, something Riverside coach Matt White said went beyond simply putting a run up on the board.

“He turned on a 3-2 fastball and just crushed it,” said White. “Everyone was fired up after that and I think it gave us a huge shot of confidence. I think Mason really fed off it as well.”

Live Oak entered the game with a record of 6-0. 

“They felt really good coming into the game and rightfully so,” said White. “Man, I was kind of scared to death looking at those guys, knowing they were off to their best start ever and here we are at 1-4, just trying to get this started. It was a big win for us and I think it kind of woke everyone up. We had one of our best days of practice today (Monday).”

Riverside (2-4) scored runs in each of the first, second and seventh innings. 

Wallace had the lone multi-hit effort, collecting two on the day.

Riverside entered the season looking for a starting pitcher or two to emerge. Last year’s ace, then-sophomore lefthander Tanner Lawson, moved to Texas with his family, leaving a void at the top of the rotation.

Vicknair seems like a candidate that fits the bill.

“He’s going to be a phenomenal player,” said White. “He’s got the tools. He’s 6-foot-2, 170, his fastball’s at 83-86 right now. He’s only going to get better.’

“His work ethic really impresses me. He always texts me, ‘What can I do today,’ and whatever I respond with, he’ll come back with, ‘I already did that today, coach.’ As a freshman, that’s something you don’t see often.”

Against Bastrop (1-5), Delaneuville and Vicknair each collected two RBIs. 

Sean Mohon got the win, going seven innings, allowing five hits while walking two and striking out eight. 

Riverside scored eight runs in the first two innings of play.

The Rebels started the tournament for its first victory of the year after falling to 0-4 Thursday with a 5-3 loss at Alexandria. 

Tyler Gauthier collected three hits and Nick Delaneuville two to lead the Rebels at the plate. 

Alexandria (6-2) scored four runs in the fourth inning to break open a 1-1 game. Riverside scored two runs in the top of the seventh but the rally stalled there.

Riverside had nine hits overall in the game.

“We really couldn’t get anything going beyond that (the runs in the seventh),” said Riverside coach Matt White. “We’re trying to piece it together right now. We’ve got a brutal early season schedule, but that’s only going to prepare us down the road this year.”

Riverside hosts the Fatty’s Invitational tournament this week, starting Thursday with a 3:30 p.m. game between Lutcher and Terrebonne. On Friday, St. Charles faces Lutcher at 3:30. On Saturday, three games are slated, with Springfield playing Terrebonne (11 a.m.), SCCvs. Terrebonne (1:15 p.m. and SCC vs. Springfield (3:30 p.m.). On Sunday, Riverside will face Springfield (11 a.m.) and Lutcher (3:30 p.m.)