Baseball demotes colonels 10-9

APRIL 22, BLAZER STADIUM–

In yet another competitive and thrilling game, the Blazers defeated Magruder 10-9 to improve their record to 7-4. Both teams made crucial errors and had trouble hitting at times, but key pitching by junior Cody Simpson and senior Sam Boone tilted the game in Blair's favor.

The Blazers' strong offensive performance was a team effort, as nine different Blazers recorded hits. Unfortunately, many of those same Blazers cancelled out their hits by playing poor defensive. Unofficially, the Blazers made eight errors on the night, easily the team's worst showing in the field. Thus most of the Colonels' runs were unearned.

The Blazers had been slumping at the plate lately, but sophomore Tommy Dugan's leadoff single may have signified an end to their cold streak. The Blazers opened up an early 3-0 lead with RBIs from seniors Raymond Anderson and Sam Boone, while senior Thomas Foley scored on a wild pitch. Simpson started the game superbly, retiring the first six Colonel batters in order, four of whom struck out.

After four innings, Blair boasted a 5-3 lead, but defensive mishaps would soon begin to cost the Blazers. Simpson continued to pitch well, giving up only three hits and one walk in his next three innings, but five runs scored, three of which were unearned.

In the sixth inning, the Colonels did not make a single base-hit, but capitalized on grave pitching and fielding blunders. The visiting team scored three runs and claimed an 8-6 lead but left the bases loaded.

Fortunately the Blazers would not quit. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Dugan, junior Chris Madert and Boone were able to reach base in succession. Junior Justin Roman then knocked home Dugan and Madert, tying the score at eight before junior Ben Nakamura batted Boone in to take the lead. Roman later scored on a wild pitch to make the score 10-8.

Boone was moved from second base to pitcher for the seventh inning and pitched well in relief. The focused closer "continues to step up" according to Coach John Macdonald. He recorded three strikeouts and although a run scored on a passed ball, he got his fourth save in as many opportunities.

Despite the win, Macdonald was not pleased with his team's performance. "I'm disappointed again. We're pretty much a veteran team, but we're not playing like it. We're not playing good baseball," he said.

The Blazers next play at home against Sherwood on April 24 at 1:30 p.m., the team that has just defeated Damascus, the county frontrunner, 3-2.