Blazers need mercy as Cougars dominate

MAY 10, BLAZER STADIUM–

After winning their last three games by a combined 33 runs, the Blazers faced a major setback today, as they were thrashed by Quince Orchard 16-1. The game that ended after five innings because of the mercy rule. Despite the loss the Blazers still have a winning, 11-8 record, while the Cougars proved why they are the top ranked team in the county and deserving of their 15-1 record.

Senior co-captain Sam Boone started on the mound for the Blazers but was ineffective in retiring the Cougars with regularity. He gave up a nine-run first inning which included seven of the Cougars' 15 hits of the game. He was taken out of the game after a three-run third and received the loss. He was replaced by sophomore Tommy Dugan who also had trouble keeping the tremendous Cougar bats silent, as he gave up four runs.

The Cougar pitcher, star junior Chris Maloney shut down the Blazer offense, going a complete game (albeit five innings) and allowing only five scattered hits, while helping his own cause with a three-run double in the first inning.

In the fourth inning senior Kent Anderson smashed a triple, and the pinch runner, junior Cody Simpson, scored on senior Danny Roman's single to avoid the shutout.

Senior co-captain Tom Foley reached on the only Cougar error and doubled in his only two trips to the plate. He feels that despite the blowout, the Blazers did not play poorly, they simply got unlucky. "I don't think we played poorly, I just think that they played really well," he said. "Every ball they hit found a gap and ours found a body."

In quite the same attitude, Coach John Macdonald felt that the Blazers played well but just weren't on the same level as Quince Orchard. "I don't think we made a lot of mistakes. There's nobody I'm disappointed in. I just have to tip my cap to them. They're the top team in the county for a reason," he said.

The Blazers have one more regular season game, at home against Churchill on May 12 at 7:00 p.m. before the playoffs begin on Friday.